Psychoactive substance use among medical students

Using a standard epidemiological survey instrument for psychoactive drug use, 215 medical students in three classes were studied. One third of all students reported non-medical drug use. The substances ever used were: betel nut 13%, smokeless tobacco 3%, cigarettes 12%, alcohol 12.5%, cannabis 0.9% and benzodiazepines 3.7%. Last month use was reported for four substances and daily use was reported for cigarettes only (3.2%). Cigarette and benzodiazepine use mostly began after entry to medical college. Men and final year students had a higher prevalence of drug use.