Universities across the United States have seen an increase in the total number of enrolled students with disabilities. This reflects, in part, a slow evolution in mindfulness by academic institutions towards individuals with disabilities, creating improved environments for different learning needs. While this subset of the student population continues to grow, it is important to understand how the behavioral trends of students with disabilities compares to that of students without disabilities. This study specifically investigated how illicit drug use patterns compare between college students who have disabilities and those that do not.
The study retrieved data from the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), and subsequently trimmed, seeking only data values for individuals who reported being enrolled in a college or university. Other general demographic information was also retrieved, including age, gender, socioeconomic status, race, self-reported health status, etc. To evaluate disability status, the researchers classified any NSDUH participant as having a disability if they responded “yes” to questions related to impairments of the following categories/systems: hearing, vision, cognition, mobility, self-care, and independent living. Illicit drug use was defined as reporting the use of any Schedule I substances (major categories were specifically listed), as well as misuse of prescription medications including pain killers and psychotherapeutics. Analysis was performed using logistic regression modeling.
The results of the study found that students who have disabilities are significantly more likely to have used illicit drugs at any point in their lives (Adjusted odds ratio = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.20-1.79), and 28% higher chance of using illicit drugs in the past year (AOR = 1.28, 95% CI= 1.07-1.54). Specifically, psychotherapeutic drugs, tranquilizers, sedatives, and prescription painkillers were found to be used at significantly higher rates by students with disabilities. Evidence of illicit substance dependence was also found to be more prevalent in students with disabilities (p<0.0001).
Takeaway: This study indicates that university students who have disabilities are at much higher risk of illicit substance use and subsequent dependence. In designing interventions to deter and treat illicit drug usage, student disability status should be taken into account as an impactful factor. Students with disabilities should always be evaluated for disability management efficacy and, in turn, be referred to comprehensive treatment if currently unmanaged.