Age and gender differences in motives for z-drug misuse: Findings from the 2015 to 2019 NSDUH survey.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Approximately 9% of people who are exposed to a nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic medication ("z-drug") misuse this medication, yet, the reasons why people misuse z-drugs are not well-characterized. METHODS: Using population survey data, we examined gender and age differences in motives for z-drug misuse. RESULTS: Results suggested women and older adults have higher odds of misusing z-drugs for sleep, and young adults have higher odds of misusing for recreation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Although the majority of people who misuse z-drugs report misusing to manage sleep, this is particularly common in women and older adults. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Addressing inadequately treated sleep concerns may help mitigate z-drug misuse.