'Higher education' – substance use among Berlin college students. (28th January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Viohl, Leonard; Ernst, Felicitas; Gabrysch, Julian; Petzold, Moritz B.; Köhler, Stephan; Ströhle, Andreas; Betzler, Felix
• Is Part Of: European journal of neuroscience. Volume 50:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 2526
• Page End: 2537
• Publication Date: 2019-01-28
• Subjects: addiction -- college students -- illicit drugs -- prevention -- risk‐taking behaviour; Nervous system -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14340
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0953-816X

Abstract

Abstract: Berlin is internationally known for its intense nightlife associated with high rates of psychoactive substance use. Previous studies conducted in other cities indicated college students as a group at high risk for substance (mis‐)use that was associated with individual psychological and cognitive impairments as well as lower academic performance. The aim of this study was to provide detailed data about the substance use patterns of Berlin college students. In addition, major protective and risk factors were analysed. An online questionnaire assessing sociodemographic data and various relevant aspects of both legal and illegal substance use such as consumption pattern and frequency as well as risk‐taking behaviour was developed and distributed among colleges in Berlin. A sample of 9351 participants from 17 different colleges in Berlin completed the questionnaire. The study revealed high lifetime (69.3%), past year (45.9%) and past month (28.3%) prevalence of illicit substance use in the sample. Daily tobacco‐smoking, a mental disorder diagnosis, a positive screening for problematic consumption (Cage‐AID), bisexual orientation and living in open relationship were main factors positively associated with the prevalence and the extent of illicit substance use. Students in Berlin appear to show higher rates of illicit substance use than was previously reported for age‐matched individuals in the general German population and college students in other cities. Thus, they are a relevant target group for early prevention and intervention concerning substance use and abuse. Abstract : The use of psychoactive substances was shown to be common among college students and especially frequent in the nightlife scene which itself is popular in Berlin. This study was the first to examine the substance use patterns of Berlin college students in a very large sample ( N = 9351) and across different colleges ( N = 17). It provides detailed information about the most relevant substances as well as about risk and protective factors regarding substance use.