Abstract
Substance use by college students has been an issue of concern in our society for many years. After making the transition from high school to college, students generally experience an entirely new, unprecedented level of freedom. They are also exposed to a wide array of new experiences and choices. These factors help to increase the risk of substance abuse among university students. Intuitively, this would lead to the concern that such behavior would result in academic fa ilure, thereby severely limiting a student's chances of future success in life. But is there a connection between substance use and academic performance? If so, what is the nature of this correlation, and how can it be explained? In this study, I seek to answer these questions and more. Does substance use signif icantly affect a student's GPA? What substances are university students using, and for what reasons? I want to gain a greater understanding of the drug-using student subculture and to see how substance use and schoolrelated obligations are incorporated into these individuals' lives. This is a pertinent course of research, since substance use among university students is relatively widespread and is currently on the rise (Johnston, O'Malley, & Bachman, 2001). It is important to understand the interaction between substance use and academic performance, since, whatever the effects may be, they will continue to become more pervasive in upcoming years.
Recommended Citation
Bunch, Jackson
(2002)
"Substance Abuse and Academic Performance Among University Students,"
The Catalyst: Vol. 1:
Iss.
2, Article 2.
DOI: 10.18785/cat.0102.02
Available at:
https://aquila.usm.edu/southernmisscatalyst/vol1/iss2/2
