Citation

Viohl L, Ernst F, Gabrysch J, Petzold MB, Köhler S, Ströhle A, Betzler F. Eur. J. Neurosci. 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Federation of European Neuroscience Societies, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/ejn.14340

PMID

30633826

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 factors 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 9,351 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. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

addiction; college students; illicit drugs; prevention; risk-taking behaviour