University environments in the United States are often marked by large numbers of students participating in exploratory and risky behavior as they mature into young adulthood. Substance use, whether it be social, recreational, experimental, etc., is a notorious example of this behavior set. The young adult demographic participates in substance use at the highest rates of all demographic sets, and researchers are wary of the harms that individuals may incur as a result. While alcohol use has been studied extensively in college students, with cannabis lagging not far behind, the literature concerning college student use of other substances like cocaine, heroin, or prescription/other drugs is sparse. This meta-analysis seeks to examine the effects of these understudied substances on college student academic performance and behavior.
The meta-analysis began by establishing the following study inclusion criteria: illegal substance use as an independent variable, adequate data for effect size calculations, and true control group utilization if a control is included. Both published and unpublished studies were also considered eligible. Approximately 60 databases were queried for pertinent studies, and a total of 75 studies were deemed appropriate to be included in the analysis. The studies were coded and rated independently by members of the research team, evaluating variables such as research design, characteristics, demographics, outcome/predictor variables, attrition rates, etc. Following qualitative assessment, effect size calculations were performed to complete the data analysis process.
Results of the study found direct relationships between the substances of interest and adolescent and young adult demographics. Overall, the use of any of the substances of interest was associated with inconsistent behavior and decreased academic outcomes across all age groups. Drugs deemed “harder” (possessing more addiction and harm potential), were found to impact academic and behavioral outcomes to greater extents, while also being more prevalent in young adult student demographics. Effect sizes for substance use and academic performance/behavioral performance were found to be generally larger in young adult as opposed to adolescent demographics.
Takeaway: the use of lesser studied substances like cocaine, heroin, and other drugs is associated with decreased academic performance and poor behavioral outcomes in adolescent and young adult students. This relationship may vary according to age demographics.