Use of Marijuana and Other Drugs by College Students of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

Drug usage in a sample of 1,069 college students of Sao Paulo, Brazil, was investigated. The highest lifetime prevalence was reported for alcohol (82%) and tobacco (39%) followed by inhalants (28%), marijuana (26%), over-the-counter tranquilizers and stimulants (17%), and cocaine (10%). Current use is considerably smaller. Marijuana users were classified as having a “Stable,” “Descending,” and “Once” pattern of consumption frequency. These patterns were orderly related to sex, socioeconomic status, use of drugs, drug approval, and peer group. Drug usage appeared as predominandy social-recreational in this population, although the risk of misuse for “Stable” students should be evaluated.

Key Words:

• Marijuana
• Drug users
• Brazilian students