Compulsive use of alcohol among college students

Among college students alcohol consumption is associated with other high-risk behaviors that can lead to short- and long-term negative health consequences. Identification of college students consuming alcohol who are at high risk for problems may have important public health implications. This study examines the ability of the CHQ compulsive use of alcohol item to detect high-risk behaviors relative to other screening measures and its association with different dimensions of compulsive drinking. Three hundred thirty-two college students completed measures on compulsive drinking and hazardous behaviors. Results showed that among male students the CHQ compulsive use of alcohol item was not sensitive to detect hazardous alcohol consumption but co-occurred with the use of illicit drugs. Among female students it was sensitive to detect heavy drinking but not alcohol or drug problems. Among college students compulsive use of alcohol corresponds to an urge to consume alcohol that may be associated with use of illicit drugs in male students, with heavy drinking in female students and with substance use problems. This study suggest that the CHQ compulsive use of alcohol item should not be used as a stand-alone screening for alcohol or drug problems but it could be considered a marker for at-risk behaviors.     

Self-injury in Japanese junior and senior high-school students: Prevalence and association with substance use

The present study examined the prevalence of self-injury and its association with substance abuse in 2974 junior and senior high-school students, by self-reporting questionnaires. Consequently, 9.9% of students (boys, 7.5%; girls, 12.1%) reported an experience of self-injury at least once. Significant differences were found in substance use-related problems including alcohol abuse, smoking, and illicit drug use ( P  < 0.001) between students with and without an experience of self-injury. The results also suggest that self-injuring students may more easily gain access to illicit drugs even if they had not yet experienced the use of illicit drugs. Self-injury in adolescence may be associated with substance use and is considered to be a risk factor predicting future illicit drug use.     

Substance use among medical students and physicians in a medical school in Turkey

BACKGROUND: This study examined substance use and abuse, including nicotine and alcohol, in subjects who were at various stages of a medical career in Dokuz Eylül University Medical School in Turkey. Anxiety and depression levels were also assessed in order to determine the relationship of the substance use and anxiety and depression. METHOD: Using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire, we surveyed 121 junior, and 52 senior medical students, 73 residents and 80 practicing physicians who completed the questionnaire. RESULTS: Alcohol was the most frequently used substance in all groups. Two or more positive responses on the CAGE were obtained for 22.4% of the junior students, 20% of the senior students, 8.9% of the residents and 6.5% of the physicians. Lifetime smoking prevalence was as high as 50%. The age of onset for nicotine and alcohol use was earlier in first-year medical students than the other groups. Benzodiazepines (alprozolam, diazepam) were the most frequently used sedative-hypnotics. The use of illicit substances was rare in all four groups, with cannabis being the most commonly used illicit substance. The junior medical students (23.6%) had the highest level of anxiety, while the senior students (44%) had the highest level of depression, assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. However, the levels of anxiety and depression did not correlate with the levels of cigarette and alcohol consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking and alcohol abuse amongst medical students and physicians should be taken more seriously because their own attitudes towards substances may influence their professional behavior. There is a need for better education about substances.     

Self-injurious behavior among Greek male prisoners: Prevalence and risk factors

BackgroundSelf-harm among prisoners is a common phenomenon. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of self-injurious behavior (SIB) among Greek male prisoners, record their motives and determine independent risk factors.MethodsA self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was administered to 173 male prisoners in the Chalkida prison, Greece. The questionnaire included items on self-harm/SIB, demographic parameters, childhood history, family history, physical and mental disease, lifestyle and smoking habits, alcohol dependence (CAGE questionnaire), illicit substance use, aggression (Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire [BPAQ] and Lifetime History of Aggression [LTHA]), impulsivity (Barrat Impulsivity Scale-11) and suicidal ideation (Spectrum of Suicidal Behavior Scale). Univariate nonparametric statistics and multivariate ordinal logistic regression were performed.ResultsOf all the participants, 49.4% (95% CI: 41.5–57.3%) disclosed self-harm (direct or indirect). The prevalence of SIB was equal to 34.8% (95% CI: 27.5–42.6%). Most frequently, SIB coexisted with indirect self-harm (80.7%). The most common underlying motives were to obtain emotional release (31.6%) and to release anger (21.1%). At the univariate analysis, SIB was positively associated with a host of closely related factors: low education, physical/sexual abuse in childhood, parental neglect, parental divorce, alcoholism in family, psychiatric condition in family, recidivism, age, sentence already served, impulsivity, aggression, alcohol dependence, self-reported diagnosed psychiatric condition and illicit substance use. Childhood variables were particularly associated with the presence of diagnosed psychiatric condition. At the multivariate analysis, however, only three parameters were proven independent risk factors: self-reported diagnosed psychiatric condition, illicit substance use and aggression (BPAQ scale).ConclusionThe prevalence of SIB is particularly high. Psychiatric condition, illicit substance use and aggression seem to be the most meaningful risk factors; childhood events seem only to act indirectly.     

Fréquences de la consommation de substances psychoactives et de la psychopathologie chez de jeunes adultes en première année d’Université

Understanding the etiology of alcoholism and drug addiction requires knowledge of the frequency of substance use in young cohorts, as well as the role of specific vulnerabilities that may explain the later development of these disorders. In the public health domain, efficient programs of prevention depend on the understanding of substance use in general population. The present study examined these issues in a large sample of university students, with particular attention to the risk factor of comorbid psychopathology.A two-phase sampling plan was used with post-stratification on substances use. In the first stage, an initial sample of 1 517 students was pre-selected based on responses to a battery of self-questionnaires, including information concerning recent consumption of substances (alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, heroin, acid, solvents…). 224 subjects were then selected in the second phase to compose four groups of substance users: infrequent consumers (those who did not use any substance during the last month; N = 80); frequent consumers of alcohol only (with a consumption of alcohol of several times a week to several times a day, regardless of tobacco use but with no other substance use; N = 44), frequent consumers of cannabis (consumption of cannabis of several times a week to several times a day, regardless of tobacco and alcohol use but with no other substance use; N = 54) and consumers of other illicit substances (consumption of hallucinogens, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, or other illicit substance at least once during the last month; N = 46). These representative subgroups of infrequent and frequent users were then administered a psychiatric diagnostic interview (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview; MINI, version 5.0) to assess affective and mood disorders and substance use disorders. At the end of the study, all participants received 75 € ($100).The findings indicate maintenance of trends observed in France since 2000 for the stabilisation of alcohol use, a decrease in tobacco use, and an increase in cannabis among this age cohort. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that these frequencies are based on frequent use of substances and, even if most of users do not fulfil criteria for abuse or dependence, such levels of consumption may have serious consequences for daily functioning and physical or mental health. In examining this issue, the percentage of comorbid psychopathology was found to be generally higher in substance using groups than in the control group, but these differences were significant only for consumers of illicit drugs. The findings are discussed in terms of consequences for the overall psychosocial functioning of young substance users and relative to the increased risk of developing a substance use disorder.     

Prevalence of major depressive disorder in Nigerian college students with alcohol-related problems

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) among Nigerian college students with alcohol-related problems (ARP) and compare the estimated prevalence with their counterparts without ARP. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of students (n=2658) in six colleges in Osun state, Western Nigeria. The students were independently assessed for ARP and MDD with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). RESULTS: The current (2 weeks) prevalence of MDD in college students with alcohol dependence is 23.8%; alcohol abuse 17.2% and hazardous use 12.4%. Compared with total abstainers, major depressive disorder is significantly more likely to be associated with diagnosis of alcohol dependence (OR 3.14, 95% CI 1.42-6.96), alcohol abuse (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.38-3.72) and hazardous use (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.12-2.38), but less associated with alcohol users without ARP (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.69-1.25). CONCLUSION: Nigerian college students with ARP are significantly more at risk of depressive disorders than those without ARP. Early recognition and treatment of depression are important considerations when planning preventive strategies for alcohol-related problems in college students.     

Prevalence and Correlates of Suicidal Behaviors among College Students in Northeastern China: a Cross-Sectional Study

The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and correlates of suicidal behaviors among college students in Jilin Province, China. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2016, using a self-reported questionnaire. Convenience sampling method was used to select college students as participants. The analysis was based on a sample of 730 college students. We use multivariate logistic model to determine the risk factors of suicidal behaviors.The prevalence of suicidal ideation, suicidal plan, suicidal attempts were respectively 13.2%, 3.3% and 3.4%. After controlling for the potential confounding factors, history of family psychiatric illness, depression and quality of life were significantly associated with suicidal ideation. Besides, suicidal plan was predicted significantly by not living together with university roommates and depression. In terms of suicidal attempts, not living together with university roommates and history of family psychiatric illness were its risk factors. Comprehensive interventions regarding aims at risk factors may be critical as effective strategies to protect college students from suicide.     

Illicit drug use,cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking behaviour among a sample of high school adolescents in the Pietersburg area of the Northern Province,South Africa

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of illicit drug use, cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking behaviour among a sample of high-school adolescents in the Pietersburg area (Central Region) of the Northern Province, South Africa. PARTICIPANTS: Participants in this study were 435 secondary-school adolescent students around the Pietersburg area (Central Region), in the Northern Province. Two hundred and forty-three (56%) participants were female and 192 (44%) were male. They were aged between 15 and 19 years, with the mean age of 17.25 years (S.D.=1.34). Their educational level ranged between standards 7 and 10 (Grades 9-12). INSTRUMENTS: Participants' demographic variables were determined by use of a questionnaire which covered participants personal characteristics such as age and gender, as well as educational level. Illicit drug use, cigarette smoking, and alcohol drinking behaviour were also measured using the questionnaire. RESULTS: Findings of this study indicate the prevalence rate of 19.8% for illicit drug use, 10.6% for cigarette smoking and 39.1% for alcohol consumption among the participants. Both drug use, cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption are associated more with males than with females. The majority of the drug users and cigarette smokers indicated that they do so when they are bored, tired or stressed up, or at parties; and most of those who drink alcohol indicated that they do so at parties, weekends, or any other time. The mean age for first drug use is 14.9 years (S.D.=1.77); 14.54 years (S.D.=1.80) for first cigarette smoking and 15.33 years (S.D.=1.91) for first alcohol consumption. Among those who drink alcohol, 24.1% and 14.1% experience unplanned drunkenness and irritability, respectively. Unplanned drunkenness is associated with males, while unplanned irritability (after drinking alcohol) is not associated with any gender. CONCLUSION: Mental health workers and the law-enforcement agencies should take note of the above findings while planning preventive and therapeutic strategies for the reduction of drug use, cigarette smoking and alcohol use and abuse among adolescents in the area.     

Gambling behavior of Louisiana students in grades 6 through 12

OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of problem and gambling behavior, the average age of onset of gambling behavior, and the co-occurrence of gambling disorder with substance use were determined in the Louisiana student population grades 6 through 12. METHODS: A stratified randomized sample of 12,066 students in Louisiana schools during the 1996-1997 school year was surveyed about gambling behavior using the South Oaks Gambling Screen--Revised for Adolescents (SOGS-RA). RESULTS: Fourteen percent of the students never gambled, 70.1 percent gambled without problems, 10.1 percent indicated problem gambling in the past year (level 2 according to the SOGS-RA), and 5.8 percent indicated pathological gambling behavior in the past year (level 3). Weekly or more frequent lottery play was reported by 16.5 percent. The average age of onset of gambling behavior was 11.2 years. Fifty-nine percent of the students with problem and pathological gambling behavior reported frequent alcohol and illicit drug use. CONCLUSIONS: A significant minority of Louisiana students in grades 6 through 12-15.9 percent--acknowledged gambling-related symptoms and life problems. The association of problem and pathological gambling with use of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana provides preliminary support for the inclusion of gambling among other adolescent risk behaviors.     

泸州市在校大学生饮酒现状及危险因素

目的调查泸州市在校大学生饮酒现状,探讨大学生危险和有害饮酒的危险因素,为有效防治大学生危险和有害饮酒提供依据。方法采用分层整群随机抽样,于2015年3月10日-20日抽取四川省泸州市四所高校共1381名大学生,采用自编一般情况调查问卷、自编饮酒情况调查问卷和酒精使用障碍筛查量表(AUDIT)对其进行现场匿名调查。结果曾饮酒率为73.3%,目前饮酒率51.1%,过量饮酒率41.0%,醉酒率为24.0%,危险和有害饮酒检出率为20.8%。男生曾饮酒率(83.4%vs.60.8%)、危险和有害饮酒率(30.9%vs.8.3%)均与女生比较差异均有统计学意义(χ~2=88.39、57.39,P均0.01)。性别、初次饮酒年龄、自评饮酒依赖状况、自评饮酒量、过去一年的饮酒天数、醉酒天数、饮酒导致的不良结果、最近一年豪饮的频数8个变量是饮酒者发生危险和有害饮酒行为的危险因素(OR=0.248~1.647)。结论泸州市在校大学生男生曾饮酒率及危险和有害饮酒发生率均高于女生。男生、初次饮酒年龄越小、自我感觉酒依赖状况越重、饮酒量越高、近一年饮酒和醉酒以及豪饮的天数越多、饮酒导致了不良后果的容易成为危险和有害饮酒者。     

Tobacco smoking: From ‘glamour’ to ‘stigma’. A comprehensive review

In this narrative review, we explore the history of tobacco smoking, its associations and portrayal of its use with luxury and glamour in the past, and intriguingly, its subsequent transformation into a mass consumption industrialized product encouraged by advertising and film. Then, we describe the next phase where tobacco in parts of the world has become an unwanted product. However, the number of smokers is still increasing, especially in new markets, and increasingly younger individuals are being attracted to it, despite the well‐known health consequences of tobacco use. We also explore current smoking behaviors, looking at trends in the prevalence of consumption throughout the world, discrimination against smokers, light and/or intermittent smokers, and the electronic cigarette (e‐cigarette). We place these changes in the context of neuroscience, which may help explain why the cognitive effects of smoking can be important reinforcers for its consumption despite strong anti‐smoking pressure in Western countries.     

Symptoms of depression,suicidal behaviour and use of substances in Greece: a nationwide general population survey

This study aimed at investigating the relationship between the use of unprescribed licit and illicit drugs and problematic drinking with reported depressive symptoms and suicidal behaviour in a nationwide general population sample of 4291 respondents aged 12 to 64. Depressive symptoms were detected by the use of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). A higher proportion of respondents who have reported illicit drug use in their lifetime were found to be depressed with a > 16 score in the CES-D in all age groups and both sexes, than of the other categories of substance use. A multiple range test revealed 3 groups of substance users. The more frequent illicit drug users together with the problematic drinkers exhibited the higher average depressive symptoms scores. The 12-month prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts was found to be in accordance with the severity and frequency of substance consumption.     

Psychotic‐like experiences are associated with suicidal feelings and deliberate self‐harm behaviors in adolescents aged 12–15 years

Nishida A, Sasaki T, Nishimura Y, Tanii H, Hara N, Inoue K, Yamada T, Takami T, Shimodera S, Itokawa M, Asukai N, Okazaki Y. Psychotic‐like experiences are associated with suicidal feelings and deliberate self‐harm behaviors in adolescents aged 12–15 years. Objective: Psychotic disorders are a significant risk factor for suicide, especially among young people. Psychotic‐like experiences (PLEs) in the general population may share an etiological background with psychotic disorders. Therefore, the present study examined the association between PLEs and risk of suicide in a community sample of adolescents. Method: Psychotic‐like experiences, suicidal feelings, and self‐harm behaviors were studied using a self‐report questionnaire administered to 5073 Japanese adolescents. Depression and anxiety were evaluated using the 12‐item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Results: The presence of PLEs was significantly associated with suicidal feelings (OR = 3.1, 95% CI = 2.2–4.5) and deliberate self‐harm behaviors (OR = 3.1, 95% CI = 2.0–4.8) after controlling for the effects of age, gender, GHQ‐12 score, victimization, and substance use. Suicidal feelings and behaviors were more prevalent in subjects with a greater number of PLEs. Conclusion: Psychotic‐like experiences may increase the risk of suicidal problems among adolescents.     

Risk taking,sensation seeking and personality as related to changes in substance use from adolescence to young adulthood

IntroductionThis study examined changes in substance use from adolescence to young adulthood as related to adolescents’ risk taking, sensation seeking, antisocial activities, and personality traits.MethodsChilean youth (N = 890, 52% female) were studied in adolescence (14.5 and 16.2 years) and young adulthood (M age 21.3 years). Risk taking was assessed via a laboratory-based performance task (Balloon Analogue Risk Task), and self-administered questionnaires assessed sensation seeking, antisocial behaviors, personality and substance use.ResultsFrequent involvement in sensation seeking and antisocial activities were associated with increased odds of continued marijuana use from adolescence to young adulthood and of illicit substance use at young adulthood. High risk taking was associated with a reduced likelihood of discontinuing marijuana use at young adulthood, and high agreeableness and conscientiousness were associated with reduced likelihood of new onset marijuana use and illicit substance use at young adulthood.ConclusionsResults highlight specific risk-taking tendencies and personality characteristics that relate to initiating, continuing, or discontinuing substance use at entry into adulthood. Sensation seeking and involvement in antisocial activities were the two foremost risk factors for continued use, which is a forecaster of drug dependence. Findings suggest potential prevention and intervention targets for abstaining from or discontinuing substance use as youth transition to adulthood.     

Illicit drug use in patients with psychotic disorders compared with that in the general population: a cross-sectional study

Objective: Prevalence estimates of illicit drug use in psychotic disorders vary between studies, and only a few studies compared prevalence estimates with those in the general population. Method: Cross‐sectional study comparing 148 stable‐phase patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder with 329 representative general citizens of Oslo. A total of 849 patients from the same hospital department in the same time period constituted a patient reference group. Results: Lifetime illicit drug use was 44% higher (P < 0.001) in study patients than in the general population sample; while lifetime use of amphetamine/cocaine was 160% higher (P < 0.001). No differences were found between user groups for sociodemographic characteristics. Conclusion: Patients with psychotic disorders in stable phase had a markedly higher lifetime use of any illicit substance, especially amphetamine/cocaine, than the general population. They also seemed to use drugs more periodically. The same sociodemographic characteristics were associated with increased illicit drug use in both groups.     

Prevalence of psychoactive drug use among medical students in Rio de Janeiro

Background Drug use and abuse may hamper learning capabilities and the development of technical skills in medical students and, therefore, the quality of care offered to patients. The aim of this investigation was to estimate the prevalence of psychoactive drug use among medical students of public universities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and to identify characteristics associated with substance use. Method This was a cross-sectional investigation designed to include all medical students of four universities. The final sample included 1,054 students. Patterns of licit and illicit drug use (at least once in lifetime drug use, drug use in the last 30 days (LTD) and CAGE) before and during medical school were assessed by a multiple-choice, self-administered anonymous questionnaire. Results Alcohol abuse was more prevalent among male students from higher income families. Alcohol LTD use was more prevalent among male students with college-educated parents. Tobacco, cannabis and inhalant lifetime use was more prevalent among males and tranquillizer use among females. Tobacco, cannabis and tranquillizer lifetime use was more prevalent among students with divorced or dead parents. Inhalant lifetime use was more prevalent among students from higher income families. Students who had college-educated, divorced or dead parents or evidenced tobacco, cocaine or inhalant lifetime use were more prevalent among cannabis users. Male students from higher income families had higher prevalence of cocaine lifetime use. Conclusion Substance use in this group of medical students is not widespread compared to rates reported for developed countries. Preventive efforts should focus on alcohol and cannabis use by medical students.     

The “Pathological Gambling and Epidemiology” (PAGE) study program: design and fieldwork

The German federal states initiated the “Pathological Gambling and Epidemiology” (PAGE) program to evaluate the public health relevance of pathological gambling. The aim of PAGE was to estimate the prevalence of pathological gambling and cover the heterogenic presentation in the population with respect to comorbid substance use and mental disorders, risk and protective factors, course aspects, treatment utilization, triggering and maintenance factors of remission, and biological markers. This paper describes the methodological details of the study and reports basic prevalence data. Two sampling frames (landline and mobile telephone numbers) were used to generate a random sample from the general population consisting of 15,023 individuals (ages 14 to 64) completing a telephone interview. Additionally, high‐risk populations have been approached in gambling locations, via media announcements, outpatient addiction services, debt counselors, probation assistants, self‐help groups and specialized inpatient treatment facilities. The assessment included two steps: (1) a diagnostic interview comprising the gambling section of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) for case finding; (2) an in‐depth clinical interview with participants reporting gambling problems. The in‐depth clinical interview was completed by 594 participants, who were recruited from the general or high‐risk populations. The program provides a rich epidemiological database which is available as a scientific use file. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sequences of substance use among American Indian adolescents

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the predominant pattern of the sequence of use of different classes of substances among a large sample of American Indian (AI) adolescents is consistent with Stage Theory [i.e., (1) alcohol, (2) marijuana, (3) other illicit drugs, and (4) cocaine]. METHOD: Data came from surveys completed by 1,562 AI high school students in 1993. Pairwise comparisons of age of first use for alcohol, marijuana, inhalants, cocaine, and other illicit drugs were examined, as were the prevalence rates of specific sequences of substance use. RESULTS: Thirty-five percent of the AI youths who had used both alcohol and marijuana reported using alcohol first. Seventy-five percent of youths who had used three or more substances reported a sequence of first use that was inconsistent with Stage Theory. However, a general pattern of using alcohol, marijuana, and/or inhalants prior to the use of cocaine and other illicit drugs was observed. Sequences of first use varied by gender, age of first substance use, community, and number of classes of substances used. CONCLUSIONS: To enhance the validity of Stage Theory for AI adolescents, the authors recommend its revision to include alcohol, marijuana, and inhalants as initiating substances.     

Eating disorders and substance abuse in Canadian men and women: a national study

The objective of this study was to examine the co-morbidity between eating disorders and substance use in a large nationally representative sample of Canadian women and men while including varied measures of substance consumption and a wide range of substance classes. The research was based on secondary analyses of data collected, using multistage stratified probability sampling, by Statistics Canada in the Mental Health and Well-being cycle 1.2 of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS). Data were collected mostly in face to face interviews using the Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing method. Data included the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), and modules of the short form of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI-SF) to assess alcohol and drug use, dependence and interference. Alcohol interference and amphetamine use were associated with the risk for an eating disorder in both women and men. In the women sample only, risk for an eating disorder was associated with illicit drug use, dependence and interference, as well as with the number of substance classes used. The study findings support the importance of developing assessment instruments and treatment strategies that address the co-occurrence of eating disorders and substance use for both women and men.     

Substance use among middle school students: Associations with self-rated and peer-nominated popularity

Associations of popularity with adolescent substance use were examined among 1793 6-8th grade students who completed an in-school survey. Popularity was assessed through both self-ratings and peer nominations. Students who scored higher on either measure of popularity were more likely to be lifetime cigarette smokers, drinkers, and marijuana users, as well as past month drinkers. Self-rated popularity was positively associated with past month marijuana use and heavy drinking, and peer-nominated popularity showed a quadratic association with past month heavy drinking. These results extend previous work and highlight that popularity, whether based on self-perceptions or peer friendship nominations, is a risk factor for substance use during middle school. Given the substantial increase in peer influence during early adolescence, prevention program effectiveness may be enhanced by addressing popularity as a risk factor for substance use or working with popular students to be peer leaders to influence social norms and promote healthier choices.