Alcohol and Drugs on Campus: A Qualitative Understanding of Undergraduate Substance Use

ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml

N

100

Drinking; Drug Use; Substance Abuse; Student Attitudes; Grounded Theory; Student Behavior; Undergraduate Students; School Culture; Social Environment; Prevention; Intervention; Mentors; Participative Decision Making; Student Role; School Policy; Universities

The use of alcohol and illicit drugs within the undergraduate college population continues to be a serious problem in the United States. Young people and emerging adults have biological and psychological vulnerabilities to the effects of substance use. Many college students participate in risky substance use behaviors and suffer negative consequences (Bourque et al., 2016; HHS, 2016; Salas-Gomez et al., 2016; Ford & Arrastia, 2008; Mohler-Kuo, Lee & Wechsler, 3003). Administrators struggle to create successful policies that will curb substance use among the undergraduate population and minimize harmful effects. Institutions across the nation continue to evolve their policies and implementation strategies, however, no uniform policy has been adopted as the gold standard. The current study aimed to provide a college student perspective on substance use, undergraduate culture and policy implementation. Semi-structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with undergraduates (N = 13) at Stanford University, and analyzed using grounded theory method. Four themes that emerged were: 1) the influence of substance use on forming a social community; 2) an environment of high achievement and its connection to substance use; 3) a perceived disconnection between students and administrators; and 4) student suggestions for more effective substance use prevention and intervention. Taking into consideration these themes and existing literature, recommendations are made for institutions to consider supporting school sponsored substance-free programming, mentorship of upper class students, inclusion of students in policy making processes, and the creation of a comprehensive substance use education and intervention course. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]

As Provided

2019

ED601363