Substance use generally begins during the time of emerging adulthood which is the period of transition from adolescence to young adulthood. Understanding factors that impact substance use initiation during this period is crucial in the development of drug use prevention efforts. Some factors that are attributed to the initiation of substance use include peer influence, curiosity, and lack of awareness of ill effects. In particular, one’s social network plays an important role in substance use behaviors. If college students select friends who are likely to engage in substance use it may reinforce their own substance use behaviors. This study examines the social network characteristics of substance users (SUs) and non-users (NUs) in college.
The study’s sample consisted of 902 college students from India. Students were asked to report past three month use of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, sedatives, hallucinogens, opioids, and other drugs. The Social Network Questionnaire (SNQ) was used to assess social network size and structure, relationship, closeness, perceived support, and substance use. Information regarding age, sex, education, monthly family income, job status, residential status, and family history of substance use was also collected. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regressions to assess for predictors of substance use among college students.
Results of the data analysis showed 26.9% of participants reported substance use. Alcohol and tobacco were the most commonly used substances, followed by inhalants and illicit drugs. SUs’ network was made up of more males, older individuals, unmarried individuals, and classmates than the NUs’. In regards to closeness and influence, SUs had slightly higher closeness within their social network and their social network exerted a slightly higher influence on them. In addition, SUs’ social network contained a greater number of substance users. SUs reported receiving greater financial and emotional support from social network. On the other hand, NUs reported receiving more health advice from their social network. Lastly, older age, family history of substance use, parents’ occupation, and having three substance users in network were found to be risk factors for substance use.
Takeaway: Social network may impact substance use behaviors among college students.