Small group prevalence differences cannot identify which individual used a medicine nonmedically.
Repeated Spanish school-survey data examined nonmedical benzodiazepine use among immigrant and native-born adolescents during 2006–2016. Patterns were broadly similar, and other substance use, perceived availability and risk perceptions were associated with reported use.
Survey self-report, school participation and repeated cross-sectional sampling limit causal interpretation. Group-level associations do not explain each adolescent’s behavior or establish a biological effect of migration status.
Specify the dates and population rather than applying a historical percentage to a current individual. Forensic opinions should rely on confirmed exposure and behavior. Demographic membership cannot substitute for evidence of use, impairment, dependence or intent.
Source: PMC7908632, supplied full-text paper. Findings are paraphrased; forensic implications are an interpretation.
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