Good Research Paper On The Article Entitled “Understanding Nonprescription And Prescription Drug Misuse In

Source Evaluation: Teen Prescription Drug Abuse

Late Adolescence/Young Adulthood” was written by Fleary, Heffer and McKyer and was published in the Journal of Addiction in 2013. The authors explored the perception of young adults in terms of asserting that nonprescription and prescription drugs are allegedly safer than other illicit drugs, were easier to access, and exemplify lower social stigma. As explictly stated, The authors clearly contended that “perceived risk (PR), perception of illicit drugs being safer than street drugs, perceived societal stigma (PSS), and access to nonprescription and prescription drug misuse would be signicantly related to misuse” . From a total of 465 college students with ages ranging from 18 to 24 years, the sample was tested in terms of their use of different kinds of drugs (prescription drugs such as pain relievers, sedatives, and stimulants; nonprescription drugs for pain and sleeping pills; drugs without distinctions like cough and cold syrup; and finally, illicit drugs such as marijuana and cocaine). The participants were requested to answer an online survey which were noted to be completed within 35 to 50 minutes. A descriptive statistical analysis was used as the methodology to establish links among the identified variables. The findings confirmed that “adolescents’/young adults’ PR and PSS of
nonprescription and prescription drugs misuse differ from their perception of illicit drug use, particularly for crack or cocaine” . In addition, the easy access to drugs was deemed contributory to the tendencies for misuse.

The source and information presented in the article are relevant in terms of enhancing and

confirming the readers’ understanding on the dangers of drugs, in general. The authors’ effectively validated their research question through appropriate use of design and methodology. Likewise, the study was aptly supported by reliable and contemporary sources of authoritative information. However, from 25 sources, only 7 sources or 28% are within the last five (5) years from the date the article was published; 12 sources or 48% was within the last ten (10) years; and there were still five (5) sources or 20% beyond the 10 year period. The reliability fo the 20% sources could influence applicability of contentions and support in the current research. As such, there were strengths exhibited in the presentation and structure of the information, as well as the language used, which increased comprehensibility and understanding by a wider range of audience. Aside from the noted weakness in some outdated sources, no other aspects diminished the veracity of the presented information. It was also commendable that the authors disclosed limitations and recommendations for future research.

Works Cited

Fleary, Sasha A., Robert W. Heffer and E. Lisako J. McKyer. "Understanding Nonprescription and Prescription Drug Misuse in Late Adolescence/Young Adulthood." Journal of Addiction (2013): 1-8.