Am J Psychiatry 1986; 143:187-191
Copyright © 1986 by American Psychiatric Association
Psychoactive substance use among medical students
JF Maddux, SK Hoppe and RM Costello
A survey of 133 senior medical students revealed that noteworthy
proportions had used the following psychoactive substances during their
lifetime: cigarettes, 44%; alcohol, 96%; marijuana, 57%; amphetamines, 22%;
cocaine, 20%; sedatives, 17%; benzodiazepines, 37%; hallucinogens, 15%; and
opioids, 40%. Smaller percentages reported use of these substances during
the last year and the last month. Lifetime use did not vary significantly
by sex, ethnic status, or marital status. Twelve percent reported nearly
daily use of one or more substances during the last month; a different but
overlapping 11% reported substance abuse symptoms during the last year. Use
of illicit substances and substance abuse symptoms were associated with
depressed mood.
