Dispelling the myth of “smart drugs”: Cannabis and alcohol use problems predict nonmedical use of prescription stimulants for studying

摘要: This study tested the hypothesis that college students' substance use problems would predict increases in skipping classes and declining academic performance, nonmedical of prescription stimulants (NPS) for studying occur association with this decline. A cohort 984 students College Life Study at a large public university US participated longitudinal prospective study. Interviewers assessed NPS; Diagnostic Statistical Manual Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) cannabis alcohol disorders; frequency class. Semester grade point average (GPA) was obtained from university. Control variables were race, sex, family income, high school GPA, self-reported attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis. Longitudinal growth curve modeling four annual data waves estimated associations among rates change disorder, percentage skipped, semester GPA. The between these trajectories NPS then evaluated. second structural model substituted disorder. More than one-third (38%) reported least once by Year 4. Increases class associated both which hypothesized relationships confirmed. These findings suggest escalation during is related to performance. difficulties. Although additional research needed investigate causal pathways, results users could benefit comprehensive drug assessment possibly mitigate future declines.