Another in a series of studies we didn't know we needed If you regularly read Michele Cagan's On the Spot blog on our web site (hsibaltimore.com) then you know how much she delights in coming across a comically pointless study. And I have to admit - I do too. She recently shared one with me that really has to be a contender for one of the most unnecessary studies ever conducted. Researchers at the University of Michigan report that non-medical use of prescription drugs that are typically abused increases the risk of drug abuse. In other words, recreational use of, say, a muscle relaxant, leads to recreational use of muscle relaxants. And here's the shocker: This was found to be the case among college students! Who saw THAT coming!? When the UM team interviewed more than 3,600 students, about 20 percent said they'd used a non-prescribed prescription stimulant, opioid, sleeping aid, or sedative for a non- medical use. And here's the kicker: These students were more likely to screen positive for drug abuse. Absolutely (not the least bit) astonishing! You can find more hilariously dubious research on Michele's blog at this link: http://www.hsibaltimore.com/redir/blog.html Source:
"Non-Medical Use of Prescriptions Linked to Drug Abuse Risk" Robert Preidt, HealthDay News, 3/3/08, nlm.nih.gov | 
