An examination of alcohol and drug use among urban college students

Abstract

This study examines factors associated with alcohol and recreational drug use among urban college students. Undergraduate students at an urban college (n = 372) in New York City completed questionnaires assessing alcohol and drug use, depression and anxiety symptoms, and delinquent behaviors. Forty-two per cent of the respondents were Hispanic, 25.3% were African-American and 18.8% were Caucasian. Alcohol and drug users were found to have higher levels of delinquency than non-users. There was no relationship between ethnicity, the number of substances used and depression, anxiety, or delinquency. These findings are discussed as they pertain to prevention and intervention programs tailored to address the unique needs of this growing population.

Keywords:

• Alcohol use
• recreational drug use
• urban