Use of psychoactive substances by medical students: a survey

The use and abuse of alcohol and other psychoactive substances is of concern to the medical profession and to medical educators. Sixty-eight members of the sophomore class at LSU Medical Center in Shreveport participated in a substance use survey. Ten students (14.7%) described themselves as abstainers from alcohol consumption. Although none described themselves as heavy or abusive drinkers, 9 (13.2%) drank 6-10 alcoholic beverages on a weekend if there was no examination scheduled for Monday or Tuesday, and 3 (4.4%) consumed more than 10 alcoholic beverages on such a weekend. At a large school social event, 9 students (13.2%) drank 6-10 alcoholic beverages and 3 (4.4%) drank more than 10 alcoholic beverages during the event. Nine students (13.2%) used marijuana at least 1-3 times per year. Tobacco was used by 17.6% of the students sampled. Only 4 students (5.9%) avoided caffeine completely. Twelve students (17.6%) drank 5-10 caffeinated beverages daily. The use of cocaine (2.9%), amphetamines (4.5%), and unprescribed sedatives (6%) was small in this student sample. More education concerning effects of psychoactive substances is encouraged.