Binghamton Research Days Student Presentations
PatrissyCara.pdfAssociations between Frequent Cannabis Usage and Substance Abuse
Associations between Frequent Cannabis Usage and Substance Abuse
Authors: Cara Patrissy, Julia Lin, Antonietta Raymond, Nicole Scott
Authors: Cara Patrissy, Julia Lin, Antonietta Raymond, Nicole Scott
Field of Study: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
Field of Study: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
Affiliation: BSMART Research Team
Affiliation: BSMART Research Team
Mentor: Lina Begdache, Health and Wellness Studies
Mentor: Lina Begdache, Health and Wellness Studies
Abstract
Abstract
Overwhelmed with school work, or faced with mental health issues, college students often turn to cannabis and other psychoactive drugs to cope with these stressors. As a result, the misuse and abuse of these substances have become a widespread issue among college students. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the tendency of cannabis users of different frequencies toward using certain psychoactive substances. An anonymous online survey was distributed across several college campuses in the U.S., generating 702 responses. From this self-reported survey, data on the demographics of participants, as well as the frequency of use of ADHD medications, cannabis, nicotine, and other psychoactive drugs were collected.
Overwhelmed with school work, or faced with mental health issues, college students often turn to cannabis and other psychoactive drugs to cope with these stressors. As a result, the misuse and abuse of these substances have become a widespread issue among college students. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the tendency of cannabis users of different frequencies toward using certain psychoactive substances. An anonymous online survey was distributed across several college campuses in the U.S., generating 702 responses. From this self-reported survey, data on the demographics of participants, as well as the frequency of use of ADHD medications, cannabis, nicotine, and other psychoactive drugs were collected.
The results of the study revealed statistically significant positive and negative associations between cannabis and other psychoactive drug use. These findings coincide with the theory that cannabis serves as a gateway drug, triggering a vicious cycle of dependence on psychoactive drugs.
The results of the study revealed statistically significant positive and negative associations between cannabis and other psychoactive drug use. These findings coincide with the theory that cannabis serves as a gateway drug, triggering a vicious cycle of dependence on psychoactive drugs.