Exploring Risk and Protective Factors: Understanding Nonmedical Stimulant Use Among Florida High School Students

Abstract

Nonmedical stimulant use (NMSU) among adolescents poses significant public health concerns. Using cross-sectional design, this study examined risk and protective factors for NMSU among 20,576 Florida high school students using the 2020 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, with 925 students reporting NMSU. Guided by Hawkins and Catalano’s Social Development Model, we employed multivariate logistic regression analyses to estimate adjusted odds ratios while controlling for demographics. Students engaged in extracurricular activities were 50% less likely to report NMSU. Higher academic performance was associated with lower NMSU likelihood. Students with friends who used stimulants nonmedically were significantly more likely to engage in NMSU (AOR, 7.60; 95% CI: 6.35, 9.10), as were those living with relatives who used substances (AOR, 3.54; 95% CI: 2.94, 4.26). Findings highlight the importance of extracurricular involvement and positive social networks in mitigating NMSU. Interventions addressing family, peers, and extracurricular involvement are crucial for prevention and evidence-based policies.