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

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.