College Students Attitude Toward Marijuana Use on Campus
Chapter One
Introduction
Illicit drug use continues past adolescence is reflected in rising drug use rates among young adults 18–24 years old (Addiction, 2000). Since 1960 drug use among college students have increased. For example, in spite of various programs to reduce drug use among college students, especially the use of marijuana has increased since the past 10 years (Addiction, 1997).
The college experience is a particularly challenging phase in an individual’s development. It provides many students with their first opportunity to be a part of a large group of their peers without parental or other supervision, and also the last time during which they will be able to have this type of experience before taking on the responsibilities of adulthood. This makes students more vulnerable to trying new, previously prohibited, sometimes illicit, drugs and engages in extreme behaviors either to become a pace-setter or follow others among their peers (Walsh, 1992; Leibsohn, 1994).
This research intends to look at the surrounding factors and characteristic in the prevalence of marijuana use on college campuses focusing on three major variables. The demographic characteristics, peer influences, and previous experiences of alcohol and tobacco use, as they influence the use of illicit drugs.
Research Problem
In recent years there has been a rise in marijuana use among college students on college campuses. There have been studies done on the factors that contribute to the use of illicit drugs like marijuana by college students. However, no studies have been done about the students’ attitude toward the use of marijuana on campus.
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to contribute to the existing literature with reference to drug use among college students.
Study Objective
The main objectives of this study include the following:
1. To identify some common perceptions of the uses of marijuana on college campuses and to identify behavior patterns of
Introduction
Illicit drug use continues past adolescence is reflected in rising drug use rates among young adults 18–24 years old (Addiction, 2000). Since 1960 drug use among college students have increased. For example, in spite of various programs to reduce drug use among college students, especially the use of marijuana has increased since the past 10 years (Addiction, 1997).
The college experience is a particularly challenging phase in an individual’s development. It provides many students with their first opportunity to be a part of a large group of their peers without parental or other supervision, and also the last time during which they will be able to have this type of experience before taking on the responsibilities of adulthood. This makes students more vulnerable to trying new, previously prohibited, sometimes illicit, drugs and engages in extreme behaviors either to become a pace-setter or follow others among their peers (Walsh, 1992; Leibsohn, 1994).
This research intends to look at the surrounding factors and characteristic in the prevalence of marijuana use on college campuses focusing on three major variables. The demographic characteristics, peer influences, and previous experiences of alcohol and tobacco use, as they influence the use of illicit drugs.
Research Problem
In recent years there has been a rise in marijuana use among college students on college campuses. There have been studies done on the factors that contribute to the use of illicit drugs like marijuana by college students. However, no studies have been done about the students’ attitude toward the use of marijuana on campus.
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to contribute to the existing literature with reference to drug use among college students.
Study Objective
The main objectives of this study include the following:
1. To identify some common perceptions of the uses of marijuana on college campuses and to identify behavior patterns of
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