Recreational Drug Use Linked to Impulsive Behavior

A new study by Spanish researchers indicates that the use of addictive substances by young university students is related to the manifestation of cognitive and psychomotor impulsiveness.

According to data produced by the study, individuals who regularly consume alcohol and marijuana are more impulsive than non-users. However, researchers were not able to detect a difference between drinkers and marijuana users, suggesting that all substance use is equally related to impulsivity.

The study included 575 students -- 50.7 percent men and 49.3 percent women. Participants were assigned to one of three groups depending on their substance use habits. Researchers found that men are more likely to be regular consumers of both substances than women, and men consume higher amounts of both substances than women.

The researchers commented on the still-unclear role of impulsivity in the behaviors that were observed: "[I]t is undeniable that university students regularly consume addictive substances. On the other hand, it seems clear that there is a relationship between drug use and impulsive behaviour although we still have to clarify whether this attitude is a cause or a result of drug use."

(Source: www.sciencedaily.com)

Labels: substance use

posted by Aspen Education Group @ 8:29 AM