Acquired substance-dependent compulsivity but not general compulsivity predicts increased substance use

Abstract

Background: Substance misuse among college students is a growing area of concern. Approximately 2 in 5 college students suffer from binge drinking disorder, the consequences of which include sexual misconduct, low grade point average (GPA), injury, and even death. Compulsivity is thought to play a key role in the initiation and maintenance of substance use disorder. We aim to clarify the role of compulsivity by evaluating several key components of this construct including rumination and “letting go.” Methods: 443 undergraduate students participated in an online survey which included measures for substance misuse as well as general measures for compulsivity and a new, adapted measure for substance-dependent compulsivity. Results: Our findings support our hypothesis that substance-dependent compulsivity, as defined as the drive to consume drugs and/or alcohol specifically, can be used as a behavioral marker to predict substance misuse. Conclusions: Substance-dependent compulsivity plays a significant role in an unhealthy relationship with substances, including alcohol, above and beyond predisposition for obsessive–compulsive spectrum behavior. Given the age of our study population, it seems then likely that compulsive use of mind-altering substances emerges early in the pathogenesis of substance use disorder.