Reasons for Not Using Licit and Illicit Drugs: The Role of Experience with Illicit Drugs

Abstract

Despite extensive treatment and prevention programs for illicit drug use, little is known about people's reasons for abstaining from substances and about the factors affecting their reasons. Therefore, a random community sample and snowball sample of poly drug users (1190 adults) were asked to give their reasons for abstaining from a wide range of substances. Contrary to common belief, (a) the individuals highest in experience-with-illicit-drugs are most likely to abstain from prescription and illicit drugs because of health concerns, and (b) the reasons given by the most experienced individuals for illicit drugs are similar to those given by the least experienced for common, licit substances. Disapproval of others, illegality, and dependence potential tend to be unimportant reasons. Implications of these and other results for treatment and prevention strategies are discussed.