College freshmen see taking prescription pain pills and stimulants as riskier than smoking marijuana or binge drinking every weekend.

They said in a survey, however, that the pills are less risky than cocaine.

The study from the Center for Substance Abuse Research at the University of Maryland also found that college students who can be described as "sensation-seekers" are more likely to use prescription drugs illegally.

The study also found that students who perceive these drugs as relatively harmless are 10 times more likely to use them than those who think that the drugs are extremely harmful.

"This study suggests that educating students about the potential harm that can be caused by nonmedical use of prescription drugs is important in reducing use of these drugs by college students," said lead author Amelia Arria.

Anecdotal evidence had suggested that most college students think it is safe to use prescription drugs nonmedically, but the study contradicted that belief. It was based on interviews with more than 1,200 students, who also took a Web-based survey.

The study was published in the September issue of Prevention Science.