Drug counselor report of adolescents abuse of nicotine replacement therapy.

BACKGROUND

Nicotine replacement products (NRT) are formulated and marketed to reduce their abuse liability among adolescents. Few studies have examined the extent of adolescent abuse. The objective of this manuscript is to describe the youth abuse rate for NRT and other over-the-counter (OTC) abusable substances.

METHODS

Two cross-sectional telephone surveys of Safe and Drug Free School Coordinators were conducted in 1996/7 (N = 562) and 1998/9 (N = 501). Abuse of NRT and other OTC drugs and circumstances surrounding NRT abuse was ascertained.

RESULTS

NRT abuse rates were low and did not change significantly between the two surveys (2.7% in 1996/7 to 4.6% in 1998/9). NRT abuse rates were well below those of other OTC abusable substances (e.g., diet pills and inhalants).

CONCLUSIONS

Concerns over promotion of youth dependence to nicotine by offering the sale of NRT OTC to adults have not been realized and policymakers should consider reducing barriers to access these products.