Running Head: THE PREVALENCE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE
The Prevalence of Substance Abuse in Senior Nursing Students
Lauren N. Brown & Nicole L. Dorst
The University of Akron
1
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A substance is a chemical or a drug and includes alcohol, nicotine, sedatives, anxiolytics,
and illicit drugs, such as cannabis, or methamphetamines. Anything prescribed for therapeutic
purposes is considered to be abused if used in any way other than as prescribed. Substance abuse
is a “maladaptive pattern of behavior” defined as the non-therapeutic use of chemicals or drugs
(Venes, 2007, p. 2100). The consequences of substance abuse can include heart and vascular
disease, cancer, respiratory disorders, cirrhosis, and trauma. This abuse may affect the user’s
friends and family, as well as affecting the user, socially, legally, and economically (Venes,
2007). One in four deaths is caused from the use of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs, making
substance abuse the leading cause of death and disease in the United States (Murphy-Parker, &
Martinez, 2005). In 2005, tobacco use caused approximately “430,700 deaths, alcohol use caused
approximately 100,000 deaths, and illicit drug use resulted in 16,000” (Murphy-Parker, &
Martinez, 2005, p. 150).
The prevalence of substance abuse is on the rise in many populations; this includes
college students. Arria, Vincent, and Caldeira (2009) found that “20.6% full-time college
students meet 1DSM-IV criteria for an alcohol use disorder, 7.9% meet criteria for a drug use
disorder and 9.4% of first-year college students met criteria for a cannabis use disorder” (p. 233).
Few studies have described the prevalence of substance abuse in college students who are
nursing students. Therefore, the focus of this study is to describe the prevalence of substance
abuse in undergraduate senior-level nursing students. In this study, the question to be answered
1
“The DSM (Diagnostic Statistical Manual) describes psychiatric disorders related to prevalence, familial
patterns, age-, culture-, and gender specific features, and differential diagnosis. Each disorder is accompanied with
a listing of diagnostic criteria” (American Psychiatric Association, 2010, p.1).
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is: 1) what is the prevalence of substance abuse in baccalaureate senior-level nursing students at
a Midwestern state university.
Review of Literature
Substance Use and Abuse in College Students
College presents young adults with increased responsibilities and choices, which include
choices about the use of substances. Researchers examining the prevalence of substance use and
abuse in college students have consistently found high rates of substance use and abuse on
college campuses (Arria, et al., 2009; Hagman, Clifford, Noel, Davis, & Cramond, 2007;
McCabe, Teter, Boyd, Knight, & Wechsler, 2004; McCabe, Teter, & Boyd, 2004; White,
Becker-Blease, & Grace-Bishop, 2006). Hagman and colleagues (2007) found that during a 90
day period, students consumed alcohol on average 21.3 days.
Higher prevalence of substance use and abuse has been found especially in college
students who are Caucasians, residents of fraternity/sororities, living in off campus residences,
have lower GPAs (McCabe, Teter, Boyd, Knight, & Wechsler, 2004; McCabe, Teter, & Boyd,
2004) and attend more competitive four year colleges and universities (McCabe, Teter, Boyd,
Knight, & Wechsler, 2004). Researchers have also found students who are under a lot of stress
from course work and extracurricular activities are more prone to use substances. Evidence has
shown that factors driving substance abuse include the users desire to increase the ability to pay
attention and for recreational purposes (White, et al., 2006).
When researchers compared substance abuse in this population, inconsistent findings are
reported. Some have found that gender did not play a role in substance use and abuse (McCabe,
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Teter, Boyd, Knight, & Wechsler, 2004; White, et al., 2006). Others have found that men suffer
from a substance abuse disorder more frequently than women (Arria, et al., 2009). Females were
found to be prescribed pain medication more often than men were, while men were more likely
to abuse prescription pain medication compared to women (McCabe, Teter, & Boyd, 2004). For
substances other than prescription pain medication, studies have showed that 58% of those who
use and abuse stimulants found it easy to obtain those substances (McCabe, Teter & Boyd,
2004). The most common sources were peers for men and family for women. Researchers have
also found that what children see has an effect on their actions later in life (McCabe, Teter and
Boyd, 2004). A family history of substance abuse has shown to increase the incidence of use in
female college students (Arria, et al., 2009).
Substance Use and Abuse in Nursing Students
Few researchers have examined the prevalence of substance use and abuse in college
students who are nursing students. Studies showed that approximately twenty-eight percent of
nursing students have used one substance in their lifetime, while almost twelve percent of
nursing students occasionally use substances (Ahmadi, Maharlooy, & Alishahi, 2004)
Researchers concluded that the nursing students become “vulnerable to the substances since they
are under a great deal of stress from their course work, inadequate prevention, limited support
systems, and poor coping mechanisms” (Murphy-Parker, & Martinez, 2005, p.153).
Smoking was the most common substance used by nursing students, followed by opiates
and alcohol (Ahmadi, et al., 2004). Murphy-Parker and Martinez (2005) examined substance
abuse in nursing students and found that the number one reason for abuse was pleasure.
Researchers have also found that 68% of the nursing students had relatives and friends with
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alcohol or drug problems; those experiences, along with students’ experiences with substance
abusing patients were factors associated with substance abuse in this population (Kenna &
Wood, 2005). These experiences also affected the students’ attitudes toward people with
substance abuse problems. Murphy-Parker and Martinez reported that nursing students tend to
be optimistic about the recovery of alcohol abusers (2005).
Substance Use and Abuse in Nurses
When researchers have studied substance abuse in nurses, they have found that the abuse
in nurses began when they were in college as nursing students (Murphy-Parker, & Martinez,
2005). Findings that nursing students’ use of substances as a means of coping with stress was
also found by researchers studying nurses’ use. For example, Shaw and colleagues (2004) found
that nurses reported that the primary reason of use was occupational stress. Other factors
associated with substance use and abuse in nurses included ease of accessibility, history of verbal
and physical aggression (Shaw, McGovern, Angres, & Rawal, 2004), and family history of
alcohol and drug abuse (Kenna, & Wood, 2005). Researchers examining the types of substances
abused by nurses have found that nurses were most likely to abuse prescription opiates, related to
ease of accessibility (Shaw, et al., 2004). They have also found that nurses tend to abuse one
type of substance, rather than changing between substances.
Similar to findings about nursing students, nurses have been found to be more optimistic
about recovery from alcohol abuse in comparison to those users of other substances. This may
result in nurses being able to more effectively contribute to interventions for alcohol abusers
(Rassool, & Rawaf, 2007). Related to recovery, nurses’ own recovery from substance abuse is
often complicated by the return to stressful work conditions and accessibility of the substances
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(Kenna, & Wood, 2005; Shaw, et al., 2004).
Upon return to work from their treatment, nurses are more likely to be sanctioned by their
fellow coworkers (Shaw, et al., 2004). Kenna and Wood (2005) described that working longer
hours on their return can lead to relapse. Follow-up on nurses after their return to work tended to
be depressed, disorganized in their thought processes and showed signs of somatization (Shaw,
et al., 2004). Findings about substance abuse in nurses support the focus of this study, which is
to describe substance abuse in senior-level nursing students who will soon begin their nursing
careers.
Theoretical Framework
This study was guided by Pender’s Health Promotion Model (1982). A copy of Pender’s
health promotion model is located in Appendix A. The model proposes that individual
characteristics and experiences (i.e., prior related behavior and personal factors, such as
biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors) determine behavior-specific cognitions and
affect behavioral outcome. Behavior-specific cognitions and affect include perceived benefits of
action, perceived barriers to action, perceived self-efficacy, activity-related affect, interpersonal
influences, and situational influences. Based on the model, a family history of substance abuse
(prior related behaviors) may combine with lack of social support and interpersonal problems
(interpersonal influences) and stress and demands of nursing courses (situational influences).
This, in turn, may lead to behaviors not in line with health promoting behaviors (Kozier, 2007).
Based on the model, substance use and abuse were defined as behaviors that do not
promote health and which result from prior related behaviors and from interpersonal and
situational influences. Choices about substance use and abuse can be detrimental to health. The
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study describing the prevalence of substance use and abuse in senior-level nursing students may
provide implications about early detection and treatment in nursing students.
Methods
Design
This quantitative study used a descriptive design. Cross-sectional data was collected
online. The site allowed participants to respond to three demographical questions and items from
the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) (World Health
Organization, 2010). Demographic data included grade point average, age, and students’ current
living arrangements. Other demographics were not asked in the survey based on university
Institutional Review Board (IRB) recommendations.
Sample
A convenience sample was comprised of senior-level baccalaureate students in a nursing
college at a Midwestern state urban university. Approximately 28,000 students were enrolled at
the university. At the time the survey was conducted, there were 439 students in the College of
Nursing, 135 of which were senior-level students. Students were not excluded based on age,
gender, and ethnicity. Inclusion criteria required all participants to be of senior- level status in
the college. The study was approved by the university IRB.
Sampling and data collection procedures
After obtaining faculty permission, the researchers recruited participants during seniorlevel course classes. The researchers described the study and distributed introduction letters to
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senior-level nursing students describing the research, anonymity of the research, and how to
access the online survey. In the introduction letter, participants were informed that all responses
were anonymous, and that participation in the study was completely voluntary. A copy of the
consent form is included (Appendix B). The researchers answered any questions students may
have had at this time. An email was sent to the senior nursing students reminding them of the
survey and referring them to the online site if they chose to participate. A college administrator
sent out an email to all students that qualified to participate to refer them to the site. A follow up
email was sent out at week three through the administrator to remind students that the survey was
open.
When students entered the survey site, they were directed to answer questions about their
substance use. Data was automatically entered into a database, and no identifying information
was collected, including Internet Protocol numbers. Completion and submission of the survey
indicated informed consent. Students were informed that depending on their level of use, it
would take approximately ten minutes to complete the survey.
Measures of variables and psychometrics of the measures
Substance use was measured with the ASSIST questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted
of eight items about the use of psychoactive substance use. The tool was created by the World
Health Organization (World Health Organization, 2010). A copy of the tool is included
(Appendix C). Due to IRB recommendations, the first seven questions were used in this study.
The first item asked about lifetime use of substances; if the participants responded with “no” to
all of the substances, the survey would end. If participants responded with “yes” to the first item,
the rest of the questions would be asked about use of substances during the previous three
months. Items about problems associated with use and levels of dependence were also included
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in the questionnaire. Types of substances used included tobacco products, alcoholic beverages,
cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, inhalants, stimulants, hallucinogens and opioids. There was an
“other” category if participants would like to include other substances that are not provided.
The psychometric analyses of the ASSIST model have determined that the tool is
credible with strong reliability and validity across genders and various cultures. Reliability was
established through a test-retest (World Health Organization, 2010). Validity was found to be
significantly correlated to the MINI-Plus (r=0.76, p<0.01) and the Addiction Severity Index
(r=0.85, p<0.01) (World Health Organization, 2010).
Plan of Analysis
Data was analyzed through the Survey Monkey site. Descriptive statistics was used to
describe the sample and prevalence of substance abuse.
Results
The sample consisted of fifty three participants. There was a high response rate with
thirty nine percent of the senior class completing the survey. Due to the email that gave
participants the link to refer them to the online site, there was not a way to know exactly how
many senior nursing students received the email. Of those fifty-three, ninety-three percent
completed the survey in its entirety. Seventy-seven percent were between the ages of eighteen
and twenty-five, nine percent were twenty-five to thirty, and eleven percent was over thirty years
old. Other demographics, such as grade point average and living arrangements were also
assessed. Ninety-six percent were found to have a grade point average of over a 3.0. Participants
living arrangements were commonly living off campus with others at seventy-nine percent.
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Eleven percent lived off campus alone.
Based on the research question, substance abuse was found to be evident in this
population. The types of substances being used were also identified in this study including
tobacco, alcohol, and various other substances. Forty-one percent reported to trying tobacco with
ninety-four percent trying alcohol products in their lifetime. Eighteen percent reported using
cannabis. Other substances that participants have tried in their lifetime include amphetamines,
inhalants, as sedatives and/or sleeping pills and opioids such as morphine, codeine, heroine and
methadone. In the past three months, almost thirty percent have used alcohol once or twice. In
addition, thirty percent used alcohol monthly. Nearly thirty eight percent of students reported
using alcohol weekly. In the sample, four percent described using tobacco products daily or
almost daily. Two percent reported using each of the substances including; cannabis,
amphetamines, and opiates in the previous three months. Twenty-five percent reported having a
desire to use alcoholic substances weekly. Almost eight percent described having a desire to use
cannabis once or twice within that time period.
Seven percent of participants that reported using tobacco products stated they had a
friend or family member express concern about their use. Another seven percent had been shown
concern over their alcohol use. Nearly five percent of tobacco users and seven percent of alcohol
users have tried and failed to control, cut down or stop using these substances. The prevalence of
tobacco and alcohol products use was greater than other substances but there were other
substances some students admitted to using. A table of the reported findings in both
demographics and results to the ASSIST model are located in Appendices D and E.
Discussion
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There are few studies that show the prevalence of substance use in senior undergraduate
nursing students. Researchers that studied substance abuse in nurses found that the abuse in
nurses began when they were in college as nursing students (Murphy-Parker, & Martinez, 2005).
Other studies that have been conducted typically focus on nurses and college students as separate
entities. The present study extended the existing research studies by exploring prevalence in
nursing students. Reports showed use of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and amphetamines.
A total of fifty-three students responded to the online survey. Of the total respondents,
forty-two students stated that they lived off campus with others. Arria, Vincent and Cadeira
(2009) noted that a risk factor for drinking and drug use was living off campus with others. This
living arrangement could contribute to the substance use of students because of being
unmonitored unlike those in dormitories or living with family off campus. Other studies from
McCabe, Teter and Boyd (2004) supported the fact of living off campus with others was a
definite risk factor in the use of substances.
Nearly forty percent reported weekly use of alcohol in the past three months. Hagman
and colleagues (2007) found that during a ninety day period, students consumed alcohol on
average twenty one days in a ninety day period. Student that responded that they drink weekly
would be using alcohol approximately twelve times in a ninety day period. This was if they are
drinking at least once a week. Both studies showed that alcohol is commonly used substance by
college students as well as nursing students. Similar studies showed that attendance in a
competitive four-year college could also contribute to high rates of substance use in colleges.
The setting of this survey was at a highly competitive, grade-based placement, four-year College.
Forty percent of students acknowledged using tobacco products within the previous three
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months, while ninety four percent of students reported to using alcohol during that same period.
Ahmadis and colleagues’ (2004) study of nursing student’s substance use shows that smoking
was the most common substance used by nursing students followed by opiates and alcohol. This
is comparable to the present study with results showing that tobacco and alcohol are the most
common substances used by nursing students. Eighteen percent of the students who responded to
the survey reported to using cannabis, two percent to inhalants, four percent to sedatives or
sleeping pills, and four percent to opioids. Approximately eight percent declared having a strong
urge to use cannabis in the past three months. Grade point average was reported to be over a 3.0
with the majority of students. This is not supported by current study’s findings of higher rates of
substance use in students with lower grade point averages.
Four percent of the subjects stated that alcohol had interfered with their everyday life.
While six percent of students declared that alcohol use had led to health, social, legal or financial
problems. The combination of these findings showed that this is a serious problem in nursing
students. There are a few students at this stage that were already showing signs of developing a
serious substance abuse disorder. Seven percent of participants that reported using tobacco
products stated they had a friend or family member express concern over or about their use the
need for interventions before these students become working nurses in the field. Many hospitals
are becoming tobacco free campuses and will not hire nurses who smoke.
According to Pender’s Model, substance use and abuse were defined as behaviors that do
not promote health which can result from prior related behaviors and from interpersonal and
situational influences. Choices about substance use and abuse can be very harmful for one’s
health. Instead of making choices to create health promoting behaviors, participating in such
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activities will become influences in one’s future as behaviors. This, in turn, may lead to
behaviors not in line with health promoting behaviors and lead to health issues (Kozier, 2007).
Conclusion
The results of the online survey showed that substances were being used by nursing
students but the majority do not report an abuse problem. As discussed previously, there was a
small percentage of participants that were using substances causing those around them to be
concerned. Respondents themselves have reported that there had been a time that they were
unable to fulfill their expected responsibilities because of their use. It was also discovered that
participants use has led to health, social, legal and financial problems and has led to unsuccessful
attempts to quit or cut down their use. This is a serious concern for this population.
Although this is a small portion of the sample it is an important finding because the use
students participate in puts the patients students encounter throughout the clinical school
experience. As seniors in an undergraduate nursing program, all participants were close to
graduation and also participating in clinical portions of nursing classes. This puts patients at risk
for harm (Shaw et al, 2004; Kenna & Wood, 2005). There is also a chance for these students to
continue being users while in their nursing careers.
Limitations of the study included the use of a convenience sample of senior nursing
students. There was also no way to assess how many students actually received the email sending
them to the survey link because of lack of checking their university supplied email. Also, there
was a chance that some participants were not honest with their reported use of substances. This
could be because of the fear of repercussion because of their reported use and worry about being
identified despite the steps taken by researchers. Students could also be in denial about their use
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and underreport the occurrence of their use of substances.
Recommendations for further studies on this subject would be to examine use of coping
skills from a broader perspective such as comparing nursing students coping skills at different
levels of education. Additional studies might also compare nursing students’ use to that of other
college students on the same campus. In a longitudinal study, the participants could be followed
to see if they continued to use substances and rate of use after graduation while working in
clinical areas. This research supports the idea that interventions and screening tools should be
implemented while still in nursing school to decrease the present as well as future use and/ or
abuse of substances in this population.
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References
Ahmadi, J., Maharlooy, N., & Alishahi, M. (2004). Substance abuse: prevalence in a sample of
nursing students. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 13(1), 60-64. Retrieved from CINAHL 10
September 2010.
American Psychiatric Association, Initials. (2010). Diagnostic and statistical manual. Retrieved
from http://www.psych.org/MainMenu/Research/DSMIV.aspx
Arria, A.M., Vincent, K.B., & Caldeira, K.M. (2009). Measuring liability for substance use
disorder among college students: implications for screening and early intervention. The
American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 35 (4), 233-241. Retrieved from CINAHL
10 September 2010.
Hagman, B. T., Clifford, P. R., Noel, N.E., Davis, C.M., & Cramond, A.J. (2007). The utility of
collateral informants in substance use research involving college students. Addictive
Behavior, 32(10), 2317-2323. Retrieved from CINAHL 10 September 2010.
Kenna, G. A., & Wood, M. D. (2005). Family history of alcohol and drug use in healthcare
professionals. Journal of Substance Use, 10(4), 225-238. Retrieved from CINAHL 10
September 2010.
Kozier, B., Berman, A., Erb, G., & Snyder, S. (2007). Kozier and erb’s fundamentals of nursing:
Concepts, processes and practice (8th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
McCabe, S. E., Teter, C. J., & Boyd, C.J. (2004). Illicit use of prescription pain medications
among college students. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 77(1), 37-47. Retrieved from
CINAHL 10 September 2010.
McCabe, E., Teter, C.J., Boyd, J., Knight, J.R., & Wechsler, H. (2004). Nonmedical use of
prescription opioids among u.s. college students: prevalence and correlates from a
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national survey. Addiction, 100(1), 96-106. Retrieved from CINAHL 10 September 2010.
Murphy-Parker, D., & Martinez, R.J. (2005). Nursing students' personal experiences involving
alcohol problems. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 19(3), 150-158. Retrieved from
CINAHL 10 September 2010.
Rassool, G.H., & Rawaf, S. (2007). Predictors of educational outcomes of undergraduate nursing
students in alcohol and drug education. Nurse Education Today, 28(6), 691-701.
Retrieved from CINAHL 10 September 2010.
Shaw, M.F., McGovern, M.P., Angres, D.H., & Rawal, P. (2004). Physicians and nurses with
substance use disorders. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 47(5), 561-571. Retrieved from
CINAHL 10 September 2010.
University of Michigan School of Nursing, Initials. (2002). Nola j. pender. Retrieved from
http://www.umich.edu/~bhlumrec/acad_unit/nurs/2003_87320/2003NURS/www.nursing.
umich.edu/faculty/pender_nola.html
Venes, D. (2007). (2007). Taber's cyclopedic medical dictionary. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis
Company.
White, B.P., Becker-Blease, K.A., & Grace-Bishop, K. (2006). Stimulant medication use, misuse
and abuse in an undergraduate and graduate student sample. Journal of American College
Health, 54(5), 261-268. Retrieved from CINAHL 10 September 2010.
World Health Organization, Initials. (2010). The assist project-alcohol, smoking and substance
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<http://www.who.int/substance_abuse/activities/assist/en/index.html>
THE PREVALENCE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Appendix A
Theoretical Framework Chart
* (University of Michigan School of Nursing, 2002)
17
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Appendix B
Consent Form
Dear Prospective Participant,
You are invited to participate in a research project being conducted by Nicole Dorst and Lauren
Brown, two Honors Nursing Students in the College of Nursing at The University of Akron.
Faculty Advisor of this research project is Karyn Morgan, RN, MSN, CNS. The title of our study
is: The Prevalence of Substance Abuse in Senior Undergraduate Nursing Students.
The purpose of the proposed research project is to assess the prevalence of substance abuse in a
sample of senior nursing students.If you choose to participate in this study, you will be asked to
complete a 10-item survey that consists of basic demographic questions and the Alcohol,
Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). The survey will be completed
online. An email will be sent out by a College of Nursing administrator through the University of
Akron email system. The email will have a link to the on-line site. The survey should take
approximately 10 minutes to complete. In order to take part in our study, you must be a nursing
student who are at least 18 years old and currently be enrolled as a senior at the University of
Akron College of Nursing. No other exclusion from participation will be made to any
individuals who meet the aforementioned requirements.
Given that one of the aims of the proposed research project is to examine student nurse use of
substances, participants may experience psychological stress as the result of having to concretely
acknowledge their use. In order to minimize this risk, we will take the appropriate measures to
ensure each participants privacy as well as confidentiality.
You will receive no direct benefit from your participation in this study, but your participation
may help us better understand and identify those at risk. With that information, students and
educators may be able to develop a plan to help students cope more effectively student stress and
make healthier life style choices.
Your decision to participate in this study is completely voluntary. At any time, you have the right
to refuse or withdraw from the study with no penalty or consequences. Although we sincerely
hope that you respond to every item on our survey, you have the right not to respond to an item if
you choose. You will receive no gestures of gratitude for participation other than the sincere
gratitude of the researchers.
No identifying information, including your email, will be collected and your anonymity is further
protected by not asking you to sign and return the informed consent form. Your returned and
completed survey will serve as your informed consent. All information collected will be
compiled into a database through the online site and only the researchers and our advisor will
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have access to the data. Only aggregate data will be used in any publication or presentation of the
results.
If you have any questions about this study, please ask them now. If you think of a question later,
you may email Nicole Dorst at [email protected], Lauren Brown at
[email protected], or Karyn Morgan, [email protected] This project has been approved
by The University of Akron Institutional Review Board. If you have any questions about your
rights as a research participant, you may call the IRB at (330) 972-7666. Please keep this
introduction letter for your records.
This project is made possible by your participation, and we truly appreciate your contributions
and time.
Sincerely,
Nicole Dorst and Lauren Brown
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Appendix C
Measurement Tool
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Appendix C
Demographic Table
What was your age at your last birthday?
Response
Percent
18 to 24
77.4% (n= 41)
25 to 30
9.4% (n= 5)
Over 30
13.2% (n=7)
What is your current GPA?
Response
Percent
Above a 3.0
96.2% (n= 51)
Below a 3.0
3.8%
What are your current living arrangements?
(n=2)
Response
Percent
On campus by myself
3.8%
(n=2)
On campus with others
1.9%
(n=1)
Off campus by myself
11.3% (n=6)
Off campus with others
79.2% (n=42)
Other
3.8%
(n= 2)
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Appendix D
Assist Model Response Table
Q1: In your life, which of the following
substances have you EVER used?
No
Yes
Tobacco Products
59.2% (n= 29)
40.8% (n= 20)
Alcoholic Beverages
6.1% (n= 3)
93.9% (n= 46)
Cannabis
81.6% (n= 40)
18.4% (n= 9)
Cocaine
100%
0%
(n= 48)
(n= 0)
Amphetamine type stimulants
95.8% (n= 46)
4.2% (n= 2)
Inhalants
97.9% (n= 47)
2.1% (n= 1)
Sedatives
95.8% (n= 46)
4.2% (n= 2)
Hallucinogens
100% (n= 48)
0%
Opioids
95.7% (n= 45)
4.3% (n= 2)
(n= 0)
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Q2: In the past three months,
how often have you used the
substances previously
mentioned?
26
Never
Once or
Twice
Monthly
Weekly
Daily or
Almost
Daily
Tobacco Products
81.8%
(n= 36)
11.4
(n= 5)
2.3%
(n=1)
0%
(n=0)
4.5%
(n=2)
Alcoholic Beverages
4.4%
(n=2)
28.9%
(n=13)
28.9%
(n=13)
37.8%
(n=17)
0%
(n=0)
Cannabis
97.5%
(n=39)
2.5%
(n=1)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Cocaine
100%
(n=35)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Amphetamine-type stimulants
97.2%
(n=32
2.8%
(n=1)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Inhalants
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Sedatives
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Hallucinogens
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Opioids
97.2%
(n=35)
2.8%
(n=1)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
THE PREVALENCE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Q3: During the past three months,
how often have you had a strong
desire or urge to use?
27
Never
Once or
Twice
Monthly
Weekly
Daily or
Almost
Daily
Tobacco Products
84.1%
(n=37)
11.4%
(n=5)
0%
(n=0)
2.3%
(n=1)
2.3%
(n=1)
Alcoholic Beverages
42.2%
(n=19)
15.6%
(n=7)
17.8%
(n=8)
24.4%
(n=11)
0%
(n=0)
Cannabis
92.3%
(n=36)
7.7%
(n=3)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Cocaine
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Amphetamine type stimulants
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Inhalants
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Sedatives or Sleeping Pills
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Hallucinogens
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Opioids
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
THE PREVALENCE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Q4: During the past three months,
how often has your use of (first drug,
second, etc.) led to health, social, legal
or financial problems?
28
Never
Once or
Twice
Monthly
Weekly
Daily or
Almost
Daily
Tobacco Products
97.7%
(n=43)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
2.3%
(n=1)
Alcoholic Beverages
93.3%
(n=42)
4.4%
(n=2)
0%
(n=0)
2.2%
(n=1)
0%
(n=0)
Cannabis
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Cocaine
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Amphetamine type stimulants
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Inhalants
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Sedatives or Sleeping Pills
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Hallucinogens
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Opioids
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
THE PREVALENCE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Q5: During the last three months, how
often have you failed to do what was
normally expected of you because of
your use of (First Drug, Second, etc.)?
29
Never
Once or
Twice
Monthly
Weekly
Daily or
Almost
Daily
Tobacco Products
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Alcoholic Beverages
95.6%
(n=43)
4.4%
(n=2)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Cannabis
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Cocaine
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Amphetamine type stimulants
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Inhalants
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Sedatives or Sleeping Pills
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Hallucinogens
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Opioids
100%
(n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
THE PREVALENCE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Q6: Has a friend or relative or anyone
else ever expressed concern about your
use of (first drug, second, etc.)?
30
No, Never
Yes, in the
past 3
months
Yes, but not
in the past 3
months
Tobacco Products
93.2% (n=41)
2.3% (n=1)
4.5% (n=2)
Alcoholic Beverages
93.3% (n=41)
4.4% (n=2)
2.2% (n=1)
Cannabis
100% (n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0% (n=0)
Cocaine
100% (n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Amphetamine type stimulants
100% (n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Inhalants
100% (n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Sedatives or Sleeping Pills
100% (n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Hallucinogens
100% (n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
Opioids
100% (n=53)
0%
(n=0)
0%
(n=0)
THE PREVALENCE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE
31
Q7: Have you ever tried and failed to
control, cut down or stop using (first
drug, second, etc.)?
No, never
Yes, in the
past 3 months
Yes, but not in
the past 3 months
Tobacco Products
95.3% (n=41)
2.3% (n=1)
2.3% (n=1)
Alcoholic Beverages
93.2% (n=41)
2.3% (n=1)
4.5% (n=2)
Cannabis
100% (n=53)
0% (n=0)
0% (n=0)
Cocaine
100% (n=53)
0% (n=0)
0% (n=0)
Amphetamine type stimulants
100% (n=53)
0% (n=0)
0% (n=0)
Inhalants
100% (n=53)
0% (n=0)
0% (n=0)
Sedatives or Sleeping Pills
100% (n=53)
0% (n=0)
0% (n=0)
Hallucinogens
100% (n=53)
0% (n=0)
0% (n=0)
Opioids
100% (n=53)
0% (n=0)
0% (n=0)