College is a key developmental time for many individuals and a time when substance use habits can initiate or even become problematic. There are many influences for students’ substance use, and a recent study specifically investigated how different friendships are related to alcohol use, marijuana use, and certain antisocial behaviors in college students.
In this study, college students participated in a survey about their social network and substance use behavior. Specifically, this survey included the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test, a problem behaviors scale, and a social network interview. The data were analyzed for substance use and antisocial behaviors.
The results showed that 80% of participants reported using alcohol and 45% reported using marijuana. Less than or equal to 5% of the students had tried any other substance. 84% of participants reported engaging in at least one antisocial behavior such as cheating or skipping class in the past year. The students reported having 0-18 friends and seeing at least half of their friends on a weekly basis, and the behaviors of each respondent were shown to be reflective of their friends’ behaviors. For example, participant alcohol use was associated with friend binge drinking and antisocial behavior, and marijuana use was associated with friend alcohol use, antisocial behavior, and marijuana use. Friends who were seen as being emotionally supportive and friends who were made while in college were most likely to share risks with participants.
Take Away: Friends are an important influence on alcohol use, marijuana use, and antisocial behaviors in college students. Friends made while in college who are seen as being supportive are the most likely to share the same risks.
Tompsett, C.J., Colburn, S. (2019). Characteristics of Friend Networks and Risk for Alcohol, Marijuana, and Behavior Problems in College. Journal of College Student Development.