Alcohol consumption in university students as a predictor for the consumption of other drugs

Abstract

Different surveys show that alcohol consumption among young people is high, this age coincides with the beginning of university life. Likewise, it is considered that the use of alcohol increases the risk of consuming illegal drugs. Objective. To determine the prevalence of alcohol consumption in university students and its association as a predictor of illegal drug consumption. Method. Cross-sectional study in 19815 students, through the analysis of the database of the Second Diagnosis of Perception, Risk and Drug Use in University Students carried out at a public university in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Results. The prevalence of alcohol consumption was 55.5%. Logistic regression analysis showed that students who consumed alcohol had a higher probability of consuming illegal drugs compared to those who did not report alcohol consumption. Conclusion. The association between alcohol consumption and illegal drugs is confirmed, data that could reaffirm alcohol as a drug that is a gateway for the consumption of others. It is a primary task for universities to carry out intervention actions for the promotion of healthy lifestyles, prevention and timely detection of the consumption of alcohol and other drugs.