Perceptions of students on alcohol and drugs

Abstract

The focus of this dissertation will be on the misconceptions and perceptions that students have on psychoactive substances such as alcohol and other drugs. These include marijuana, cocaine, ketamine, psilocybin, and LSD, which despite being illegal in most parts of the world, they are sought after by many for their inducing qualities and effects they have on the mind and the body. However, not all these psychoactive substances bear illegal consequences for their consumption, in fact alcohol is not only legal, but it is also recognised as a social lubricant which facilitates social activities and interactions. Moreover, this research also includes over the counter pills and prescription medications with the list of drugs, since they too carry potential in the development of addictions. Therefore, this research aimed to identify how differently legal and illegal substances are perceived by students of different ages, gender, and course backgrounds, whilst exploring whether the attributing effects of legal substances are perceived by students to be less dangerous or risky. An online questionnaire was distributed amongst students attending the University of Malta, Junior College, Higher Secondary, Institute of Tourism Studies and the Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology. The data gathered was then analysed quantitatively to establish which perceptions and misconceptions students related to the most. Firstly, results suggested that students perceived all drugs differently, and that perceptions were similar within, yet different across, age groups, genders, and course sectors. For instance, younger adolescents and female students perceive higher and more dangerous risks attributable to alcohol consumption. Secondly, even though both OTC medications and alcohol are drugs, findings show that less students consider alcohol to be a drug, in fact OTC pills are considered to be drugs by 43% more students. Thirdly, the perceptions of students studying under the fields of Health Science, and in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences field, is the most accurate amongst course sectors. Summarily, this dissertation concluded that the perceptions vary across students’ age and gender, and even across different Educational Fields. Results found implicate that the participants are more likely to exercise caution when consuming prescribed medication than when consuming alcohol. Lastly, it is evident that the course background of the students has an effect on their perception, as students studying in the Health Science field have more realistic perceptions on the effects of alcohol, over the counter medications, and other drugs.