College Student Drug Use: Patterns, Concerns, Consequences, and Interest in Intervention.

Area of Science:

• Addiction research
• Public health
• Student wellness

Background:

• Previous surveys highlight high rates of illicit and prescription drug misuse among college students.
• Limited research has explored the negative consequences, personal concerns, and intervention interest related to college student drug use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of negative consequences, personal concerns, and interest in interventions for drug use among college students.
• To examine the relationship between drug use frequency and negative outcomes or concerns.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 262 college students who self-reported lifetime illicit drug use.
• Data collected included reported negative consequences, personal concerns about drug/medication misuse, and interest in interventions.
• Statistical analyses controlled for alcohol use frequency, gender, and college year.

Main Results:

• 69% of students reported at least one lifetime negative consequence from drug use, and 63% reported consequences in the past year.
• 28% expressed moderate concern about their drug or medication misuse, and 76% showed moderate interest in interventions.
• Past month marijuana use and medication misuse frequency correlated with increased negative consequences and concerns, independent of alcohol use.

Conclusions:

• College student drug misuse is associated with substantial negative consequences and personal concerns.
• A significant majority of students express interest in interventions for substance misuse.
• Intervention strategies should consider the link between use frequency and adverse outcomes in this population.