Binghamton Research Days Student Presentations
DwyerEmily.pdfCorrelations Between Nicotine Usage, Mental Wellbeing, and Other Psychoactive Substances Among College Students
Correlations Between Nicotine Usage, Mental Wellbeing, and Other Psychoactive Substances Among College Students
Authors: Emily Dwyer, Kayla Taufman, Suraj Sanjnani, Dr. Lina Begdache, Nicole Scott
Authors: Emily Dwyer, Kayla Taufman, Suraj Sanjnani, Dr. Lina Begdache, Nicole Scott
Field of Study: Social Sciences
Field of Study: Social Sciences
Affiliation: BSMART Research Team
Affiliation: BSMART Research Team
Mentor: Lina Begdache, Health and Wellness Studies
Mentor: Lina Begdache, Health and Wellness Studies
Abstract
Abstract
Nicotine use may be associated with risk of illicit drug use and lower mental wellbeing. However, this relationship among college students is unknown. The purpose of the study is to assess the relationship between nicotine use, illicit ADHD medication use, and the use of other specific psychoactive substances and mental health of college students. An anonymous survey was distributed online to several higher education institutions. About 700 participants self-reported on the use of ADHD medications, cannabis, nicotine, other psychoactive drugs, and mental distress. Data was analyzed using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient in SPSS. Very frequent nicotine use was positively correlated with mental distress. Very frequent use was linked to Cannabis and LSD use in addition to unprescribed use of painkillers. Non frequent use was positively associated with use of psilocybin, ADHD medication, LSD, and sedatives. Nicotine users may be inclined to use psychoactive substances, which requires further research.
Nicotine use may be associated with risk of illicit drug use and lower mental wellbeing. However, this relationship among college students is unknown. The purpose of the study is to assess the relationship between nicotine use, illicit ADHD medication use, and the use of other specific psychoactive substances and mental health of college students. An anonymous survey was distributed online to several higher education institutions. About 700 participants self-reported on the use of ADHD medications, cannabis, nicotine, other psychoactive drugs, and mental distress. Data was analyzed using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient in SPSS. Very frequent nicotine use was positively correlated with mental distress. Very frequent use was linked to Cannabis and LSD use in addition to unprescribed use of painkillers. Non frequent use was positively associated with use of psilocybin, ADHD medication, LSD, and sedatives. Nicotine users may be inclined to use psychoactive substances, which requires further research.