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Characterization of the use of psychoactive substances in the university population
Sandra Yaneth Quiroz Coral
Characterization of the use of psychoactive
substances in the university population
Sandra Yaneth Quiroz Coral1
To reference this article / Cómo citar este artículo
/ Para citar este artigo: Quiroz-Coral, S. Y. (2025).
Characterization of the use of psychoactive substances in
the university population. Revista Criterios, 32(1), 34-47.
https://doi.org/10.31948/rc.v32i1.4047
Fecha de recepción: April 9, 2024
Fecha de revisión: August 23, 2024
Fecha de aprobación: October 8, 2024
Abstract
Objective: To characterize the use of psychoactive substances in the student
population of four universities in the city of Pasto. Methods: Descriptive
and cross-sectional study, based on a simple random sample of four private
universities; prevalence of the last year = 10.0%, error = 1.8%, confidence
level = 95%, for a total of 1,623 students from the four universities, enrolled in
period B of the year 2019. The questionnaire was taken from the Inter-American
System of Uniform Data on Drug Use, remotely accessed through a server of the
Organization of American States, so that students could respond online through
a web page. The statistical program SAS version 9.3 was used for the statistical
analysis of the data. Results: The most commonly used substance was alcohol,
followed by cigarettes and marijuana. The perception of risk associated with
the use of these substances was low. Finally, based on the variable ‘Access’
to acquire these substances, the supply of alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana
prevailed. Conclusion: The use of psychoactive substances (PAS) is a complex
problem that mainly affects the young population of productive age. This
situation is largely related to the use of legalized substances that are integrated
into university life.
Keywords: use; university students; psychoactive substances; risk perception;
diagnosis
1 Universidad Mariana. Member of the Research Group Desarrollo Humano y Social, San Juan de Pasto, Nariño, Colombia. E-mail:
sayaqui2002@yahoo.es
Article result of the research entitled: Magnitud del consumo de drogas en población universitaria de la ciudad de San Juan de Pasto
[Extent of drug use in the university population of San Juan de Pasto, Colombia], developed from June 1st 2020 to September 23rd
2022, in Nariño, Colombia.
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Characterization of the use of psychoactive substances in the university population
Sandra Yaneth Quiroz Coral
Caracterización del consumo de sustancias
psicoactivas en población universitaria
Resumen
Objetivo: caracterizar el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas en la población
universitaria de cuatro instituciones de educación superior de la ciudad de Pasto.
Metodología: estudio descriptivo y transversal, basado en un muestreo aleatorio
simple de cuatro universidades privadas; se tuvo en cuenta la prevalencia del
último año = 10,0 %, error = 1,8 %, 31 nivel de confianza = 95 %. Para un total
de 1.623 estudiantes de las cuatro universidades, matriculados en el periodo B
del año 2019. Se consideró el cuestionario del Sistema Interamericano de Datos
Uniformes sobre consumo de drogas, al cual se accedió de forma remota a
través de un servidor de la Organización de Estados Americanos, con el objetivo
de que los estudiantes pudieran responder en línea mediante una página web.
Para el análisis estadístico de los datos, se utilizó el programa estadístico
SAS versión 9.3. Resultados: la sustancia de mayor consumo fue el alcohol,
seguida de cigarrillo y marihuana. La percepción de riesgo sobre el consumo
de estas sustancias fue baja. Finalmente, en función de la variable acceso para
adquirir estas sustancias, prevaleció la oferta de alcohol, cigarrillo y marihuana.
Conclusión: el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas (SPA) es una problemática
compleja que afecta principalmente a la población joven en edad productiva.
Esta situación se relaciona en gran medida con el uso de sustancias legalizadas,
que están integradas a la vida universitaria.
Palabras clave: consumo; universitarios; sustancias psicoactivas; percepción
de riesgo; diagnóstico
Caracterização do uso de substâncias
psicoativas na população universitária
Resumo
Objetivo: caracterizar o uso de substâncias psicoativas na população estudantil
de quatro universidades da cidade de Pasto. Metodologia: estudo descritivo
e transversal, baseado em amostra aleatória simples de quatro universidades
privadas; prevalência do último ano = 10,0%, erro = 1,8%, nível de confiança =
95%, para um total de 1.623 estudantes das quatro universidades, matriculados
no período B do ano de 2019. O questionário foi retirado do Sistema Interamericano
de Dados Uniformes sobre Uso de Drogas, acessado remotamente através de
um servidor da Organização dos Estados Americanos, para que os estudantes
pudessem responder on-line através de uma página web. O programa estatístico
SAS versão 9.3 foi utilizado para a análise estatística dos dados. Resultados:
a substância mais utilizada foi o álcool, seguida do cigarro e da maconha. A
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Characterization of the use of psychoactive substances in the university population
Sandra Yaneth Quiroz Coral
percepção de risco associada ao uso destas substâncias foi baixa. Finalmente,
com base na variável ‘Acesso’ para adquirir essas substâncias, prevaleceu a
oferta de álcool, cigarro e maconha. Conclusão: o uso de substâncias psicoativas
(SPA) é um problema complexo que atinge principalmente a população jovem
em idade produtiva. Esta situação está em grande parte relacionada com o uso
de substâncias legalizadas e integradas na vida universitária.
Palavras-chave: uso; estudantes universitários; substâncias psicoativas;
percepção de risco; diagnóstico
Introduction
Based on the characterization of the use
of psychoactive substances in four private
universities in the city of Pasto, it has been
possible to identify the types of psychoactive
substances used by the university population,
analyze the perception of risk regarding them,
the ease of acquisition among students, the
frequency of use, the age of initiation and other
relevant factors. This information is key to the
design of precise preventive measures adapted
to local realities.
The use of psychoactive substances among
university students is a worrying phenomenon
that varies according to the type of substance
and the institution. Alcohol stands out as
the most commonly used substance in the
population studied, indicating a normalization
of its use in social and academic life, facilitated
by its accessibility and the perception that it
is socially acceptable. Although tobacco has
lower consumption rates than alcohol, it is
still consumed at a considerably high rate,
reflecting its use as a coping mechanism against
academic and social stress, in addition to the
influence of peer groups in its normalization.
As for marijuana, there is an increasing trend
in its use. Previous studies indicate an increase
among young university students, which may
vary according to the social and cultural context
of each institution. On the other hand, although
cocaine consumption is lower compared to
other substances, its presence highlights the
need for monitoring and prevention, given its
potential to cause serious health problems and
dependence.
In addition, the inclusion of inhalants and
hallucinogens, albeit at low rates, indicates
the need for monitoring and preventive
interventions. While it is encouraging that no
cases of heroin have been reported at some
universities, it is critical to remain vigilant to
any signs of heroin use, as it may signal deeper
social problems. In this context, there is a clear
urgency for specific preventive approaches
that address the risks associated with the use
of these substances, tailored to the realities of
each university.
Substance use is a problem with high
psychosocial costs, the negative effects of
which have intensified over time. People who
use these substances tend to be less involved
in important decisions and are at greater risk
of escalating to the use of more dangerous
substances. At the family level, conflicts
increase and the mixing of drugs, especially
alcohol, with other substances exacerbates
the negative consequences. In addition,
risky practices, such as use combined with
unprotected sex or the use of non-conventional
substances, contribute significantly to the
increase in harm.
Furthermore, the low perception of risk
associated with drug use, combined with
easy access to these substances, favors their
spread. Drug use is a much more complex
problem, linked to social, economic, political
and cultural factors that must be understood
in order to formulate effective prevention
strategies. It is therefore essential to adopt a
comprehensive vision that allows us to address
this phenomenon in all its dimensions.
In various university contexts, previous
research has been useful in identifying patterns
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Characterization of the use of psychoactive substances in the university population
Sandra Yaneth Quiroz Coral
of consumption of these substances, focusing on
socio-demographic variables and emphasizing
the age of onset, risk factors and protective
factors that may influence the development of
addictive behaviors. This information is crucial
not only for prevention, but also for mitigating
the consequences of use, such as school
dropout and the negative impact on social and
family dynamics, both within and outside the
educational environment (Castaño-Pérez &
Calderón-Vallejo, 2014).
The World Drug Report, prepared by the
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
(UNODC, 2018a), revealed that 275 million
people between the ages of 15 and 64 have
used drugs worldwide, and about 31 million
suffer from drug use disorders. This situation
indicates an increase in the use of these
substances: «In 2021, about 1 in 17 people
aged 15-64 worldwide had used drugs in the
past year. The estimated number of users will
increase from 240 million in 2011 to 296 million
in 2021» (UNODC, 2023a, p. 13).
In addition, the UNODC World Drug Report
2023 estimates that around 500,000 people
die each year from the use of psychoactive
substances (PAS). Of these deaths, about
40% are attributed to overdoses, while the
remaining 60% are related to diseases such
as HIV and hepatitis C, acquired through the
inappropriate use of injections.
In the case of the university population in
Colombia, the IV Andean Epidemiological Study
on Drug Use (UNODC, 2023b) found that the
majority of students use drugs experimentally,
although a minority develop addiction problems.
Legal substances such as tobacco (especially in
the form of electronic cigarettes) are common
among young people, while alcohol shows
signs of dependence. As for illicit drugs, 45%
of the university population report having used
some of them, without perceiving great risks
in their experimental use. The most common
substances are marijuana, LSD and cocaine
(UNODC, 2023a).
Drug use is a global phenomenon that generally
begins at an early age and intensifies between
the ages of 18 and 25. This age group includes
a large proportion of university students. This
pattern has a significant impact on human
capital and profoundly affects individual, family
and societal aspects (UNODC, 2023a).
In particular, the department of Nariño,
located on the border with Colombia, presents
unique characteristics and multiple risk factors
stemming from social, economic, cultural,
and family instability. These conditions have
historically influenced the biopsychosocial
development of the population, generating
problems related to the use and abuse of PAS.
These problems affect all sectors of society,
especially the most vulnerable, who suffer the
consequences of poverty, marginalization and
discrimination (Gobernación de Nariño, 2016;
Departamento Administrativo Nacional de
Estadística [DANE], n.d.).
In order to design truly effective prevention
strategies, it is essential to take a comprehensive
view of all the factors involved. Interventions
must be adapted to local realities and address
not only the visible aspects of consumption,
but also the underlying factors that facilitate
it, such as risk perception and the influence
of the social environment. Only through a
comprehensive vision that combines education,
prevention and psychosocial support will it be
possible to reduce the harm associated with
substance use and promote a healthier and
safer university environment. In this sense,
the present study was proposed as a necessity,
with the aim of characterizing the use of PAS in
the university population of the department of
Nariño, and thus generate relevant information
that allows guiding more appropriate and
effective preventive interventions.
Methodology
The study was descriptive and cross-sectional
in nature. The reference population consisted
of students from four private universities in
the municipality of San Juan de Pasto, Nariño.
A total of 2,984 students were expected to
participate in the sample, but only a total of
1,623 students were selected from the four
universities.
It is worth mentioning that the collection of
information coincided with the beginning of the
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Characterization of the use of psychoactive substances in the university population
Sandra Yaneth Quiroz Coral
pandemic (March), so the effective response
rate was 1,623 in relation to the desired
sample. To calculate the sample size in each
university, the following parameters were
considered, taking as the primary indicator of
the study the use of any illicit drug in the last
year: prevalence in the last year = 10.0%, error
= 1.8%, confidence level = 95%, based on a
simple random sampling within each university
and, with the necessary adjustments for the
sample size.
The university population had remote access
to the questionnaire that was validated and
applied in the last national study of consumption
in the Colombian population, in 2016. This
was placed on a server of the Organization
of American States, so that the selected
students could respond directly through a web
page and online [Inter-American Unified Data
System (oas.org)]. The main advantages of
this procedure were to achieve a better quality
of responses, thanks to the privacy that the
student has to answer the questionnaire, the
lower cost that this procedure implies, and the
lower number of errors in the transfer of data
from the questionnaire to a database.
The inclusion criterion for the analysis presented
in this report was to have completed the online
questionnaire up to the alcohol module. The
exclusion criterion was answering ‘No’ to the
following item: «I hereby declare that I am
providing this information voluntarily».
The instrument used was agreed upon by the
Inter-American Commission for the Control of
Drug Abuse (CICAD), the professionals of the
Project to Support the Reduction of Demand
for Illegal Drugs in the Andean Community
(PREDEM), and the focal points of the four
Andean countries. The questionnaire includes
several modules: 1) general information; 2)
tobacco and alcohol use; 3) questions about
use, abuse and dependence in the case of
alcohol; 4) risk perception regarding the use
of drugs, marijuana, cocaine, LSD and others;
5) questions about use, ease of access and
supply; 6) risk perception regarding the use of
drugs: tranquilizers, stimulants; 7) questions
about use, access by prescription or not; 8)
risk perception regarding use; 9) exposure to
drug prevention programs; and 10) need for
treatment (Sistema Único de Indicadores sobre
Consumo de Sustancias Psicoactivas [SUICAD],
2014).
The study was evaluated and approved by
the Bioethics Committee of the Universidad
Mariana, in accordance with the guidelines
established by Resolution 8430 of 1993 of
the Ministry of Health, which provides a legal
framework for the protection of research
subjects in Colombia, and the Declaration of
Helsinki of the World Medical Association, which
establishes fundamental ethical principles for
medical research worldwide. These regulations
and international documents ensure that
research meets the highest ethical and safety
standards and protects the rights and welfare
of participants. Adherence to both ensures that
the study is conducted with rigor and respect
for fundamental ethical principles.
Results
Table 1 presents data on the use of different
types of PAS among students at the four
universities. Alcohol was the most commonly
consumed substance in all of them, with
consumption rates above 88%. The Corporación
Universitaria Minuto de Dios had the highest
rate at 93.52%. Cigarette consumption was
very high in all universities, with rates between
40% and 48%. Marijuana use varied widely,
with the highest rate at the Universidad Mariana
at 25.84% and the lowest at the Corporación
Universitaria Minuto de Dios at 12.96%. Cocaine
use was relatively low at all universities, with
the highest rate at the Universidad Mariana at
5.49%. Inhalant use was low; the Corporación
Universitaria Minuto de Dios had the lowest
rate at 0.40%. Hallucinogen use was highest
at Mariana and Cooperativa de Colombia
universities (5.14%). Heroin use was minimal;
some universities reported zero cases.
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Characterization of the use of psychoactive substances in the university population
Sandra Yaneth Quiroz Coral
Table 1
Percentage of psychoactive substance use
Type of
substance
Universidad
Mariana
Corporación
Universitaria
Minuto de Dios
Universidad
Cooperativa de
Colombia
Fundación
Universitaria
San Martín
Alcohol 502 88.85% 231 93.52% 456 90.12% 264 86.56%
Cigarette 274 48.50% 99 40.08% 245 48.42% 123 40.33%
Marijuana 146 25.84% 32 12.96% 106 20.95% 71 23.28%
Cocaine 31 5.49% 8 3.24% 21 4.15% 14 4.59%
Inhalants 8 1.42% 1 0.40% 8 1.58% 4 1.31%
Hallucinogens 29 5.13% 4 1.62% 26 5.14% 10 3.28%
Amphetamines 1 0.18% 1 0.40% 3 0.59% 3 0.98%
Heroin 3 0.53% 0 0.00% 3 0.59% 2 0.66%
Table 2 shows the results of the risk perception regarding the use of the different PAS by the students
of the Universidad Mariana. Low risk perception was common for alcohol consumption, followed by
cigarettes and marijuana; the students of this university indicated that alcohol consumption has
low risks, that their friends and family approve of it, and that it is easy to access and consume,
making it the most consumed substance in absolute terms, both in sporadic and frequent use,
unlike amphetamines and heroin, which had a very low incidence compared to other substances
due to higher risk perception.
Table 2
Universidad Mariana (UM)
Type of
substance High p % Low P % Don’t know/
Don’t answer %
Alcohol 175 34,86 215 42,83 112 22,31
Cigarette 135 49,27 125 45,62 14 5,11
Marijuana 117 80,14 25 17,12 4 2,74
Cocaine 24 77,42 7 22,58 0 0,00
Inhalants 6 75,00 2 25,00 0 0,00
Hallucinogens 20 68,97 9 31,03 0 0,00
Amphetamines 1 100,00 0 0,00 0 0,00
Heroin 3 100,00 0 0,00 0 0,00
Table 3 shows the low risk perception of alcohol consumption among the students of the Corporación
Universitaria Minuto de Dios. These perceptions influence their consumption behavior. Therefore,
this analysis highlights the importance of focusing on alcohol consumption, given their low risk
perception, as well as the need for educational and preventive interventions on cocaine and other
substance use, considering that there was a high percentage of respondents who did not know or
did not respond.
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Characterization of the use of psychoactive substances in the university population
Sandra Yaneth Quiroz Coral
Table 3
Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios (CUMD)
Type of
substance High p % Low P % Don’t know/
Don’t answer %
Alcohol 96 41,56 121 52,38 14 6,06
Cigarette 36 36,36 63 63,64 0 0,00
Marijuana 23 71,88 2 6,25 7 21,88
Cocaine 1 12,50 1 12,50 6 75,00
Inhalants 1 100,00 0 0,00 0 0,00
Hallucinogens 2 50,00 1 25,00 1 25,00
Amphetamines 1 100,00 0 0,00 0 0,00
Heroin 0 0,00 0 0,00 0 0,00
Table 4 shows the results from the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, with similar results to
the other universities. Alcohol had a low perception compared to other substances with 48.46%;
cigarettes also had a low risk perception with 54.69%. Regarding marijuana, cocaine, inhalants,
hallucinogens, amphetamines and heroin, the majority of respondents indicated a high-risk
perception of these substances, with percentages ranging from 62.50% to 80.19%.
The percentages of Don’t know/Don’t answer are low or zero for all substances. These data confirm
the need for prevention and education programs, especially for alcohol and cigarette consumption.
Table 4
Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia UCC
Type of
substance High % Low % Don’t know/
Don’t’ answer %
Alcohol 189 41,45 221 48,46 46 10,09
Cigarette 111 45,31 134 54,69 0 0,00
Marijuana 85 80,19 14 13,21 7 6,60
Cocaine 16 76,19 5 23,81 0 0,00
Inhalants 5 62,50 3 37,50 0 0,00
Hallucinogens 19 73,08 7 26,92 0 0,00
Amphetamines 2 66,67 1 33,33 0 0,00
Heroin 2 66,67 1 33,33 0 0,00
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Characterization of the use of psychoactive substances in the university population
Sandra Yaneth Quiroz Coral
Among the students of the Fundación Universitaria San Martín (FUSM), the perception of risk for
alcohol and cigarettes was low, with 56.06% and 65.04%, respectively. However, a significant
proportion indicated a high perception, with 43.94% and 34.96%, respectively. For marijuana,
cocaine, inhalants, hallucinogens, amphetamines and heroin, the majority of respondents had a
high-risk perception of these substances, with percentages ranging from 60% to 100%. There
were no respondents who did not know or did not answer for any of the substances.
In contrast to the other universities, FUSM students had the highest risk perceptions for substances
such as marijuana, cocaine, inhalants, hallucinogens, amphetamines, and heroin. This indicates
the need for prevention and education programs focused on the perception and use of these
substances, in addition to continued efforts to address alcohol and cigarette use on all campuses.
Table 5
Fundación Universitaria San Martin (FUSM)
Type of
substance High % Low % Don’t know/
Don’t’ answer %
Alcohol 116 43,94 148 56,06 0 0,00
Cigarette 43 34,96 80 65,04 0 0,00
Marijuana 59 83,10 12 16,90 0 0,00
Cocaine 10 71,43 4 28,57 0 0,00
Inhalants 3 75,00 1 25,00 0 0,00
Hallucinogens 6 60,00 4 40,00 0 0,00
Amphetamines 2 66,67 1 33,33 0 0,00
Heroin 2 100,00 0 0,00 0 0,00
Table 6 describes the ease of acquisition of PAS by students from the four universities. Alcohol was
the most accessible substance, with more than 84%. Cigarettes were also perceived as easy to
obtain by a significant majority, more than 90% in all cases. Marijuana had a variable perception
of accessibility, being easier to obtain at the Universidad Mariana (86.99%) and less so at the
Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios (62.50%). Cocaine was moderately to highly available
at the Fundación Universitaria San Martín (71.43%) and the Universidad Mariana (67.74%). In
contrast, the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia (57.14%) and the Corporación Universitaria
Minuto de Dios (25%) had lower percentages of perceived accessibility. Inhalants, hallucinogens,
amphetamines and heroin were generally considered less accessible by the majority of students,
with low percentages in all universities. These perceptions are essential to guide prevention and
control policies in educational institutions.
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Characterization of the use of psychoactive substances in the university population
Sandra Yaneth Quiroz Coral
Table 6
Access to acquire psychoactive substances
Type of
substance
Easy to acquire
in UM
Easy to acquire
in CUMD
Easy to acquire
in UCC
Easy to acquire
in FUSM
Alcohol 498 99,20 % 218 94,37 % 419 91,89 % 222 84,09 %
Cigarette 255 93,07 % 91 91,92 % 229 93,47 % 117 95,12 %
Marijuana 127 86,99 % 20 62,50 % 68 64,15 % 45 63,38 %
Cocaine 21 67,74 % 2 25,00 % 12 57,14 % 10 71,43 %
Inhalants 2 25,00 % 1 100,00% 2 25,00 % 1 25,00 %
Hallucinogens 10 34,48 % 1 25,00 % 6 23,08 % 2 20,00 %
Amphetamines 1 100,00 % 0 0,00 % 1 33,33 % 1 33,33 %
Heroin 1 33,33 % 0 0,00 % 1 33,33 % 0 0,00 %
Discussion
The use of PAS in the university population shows a clear trend towards the use of alcohol as the
most common substance, followed by cigarettes. This trend is related not only to the accessibility
of these substances, but also to their market supply and cultural acceptance. Alcohol, in particular,
is seen as a legal and commonly used substance in different social contexts, which has led to a
normalization of its consumption, reducing the perception of risk among students.
This normalization is even more evident in areas near universities, known as ‘pink zones’,
where the availability of alcohol is high and easily accessible. Some establishments that provide
alcohol are located near universities, facilitating its consumption among students, as noted by
the Chamber of Commerce. On this topic, Estrada-Durand and Salinas-Salas (2019) explain that
alcohol consumption among young university students can be understood from multiple factors,
including genetic predisposition, mental disorders, life cycle, gender, socioeconomic factors, social
events, and social pressures.
The use of prescription drugs ranks fourth in prevalence and is more common among women,
suggesting a pattern of both medical and self-prescribed drug use. Most respondents reported
that these drugs were prescribed by general practitioners, although there are cases where
psychiatrists, neurologists and other medical specialties are involved in prescribing. According to
UNODC (2018b) women who face drug use problems usually have fewer resources and face greater
socioeconomic barriers than men. This finding highlights the need to implement preventive actions
with a gender focus.
The age of onset of PAS use is usually between 16 and 20 years, which has multiple social,
academic, and health consequences, as this period coincides with a crucial period of personal and
educational development. Biologically, it can disrupt brain development, affecting critical areas
such as the prefrontal cortex and increasing susceptibility to addiction due to neural plasticity
during adolescence (Arain et al., 2013; Spear, 2016). Psychologically, it is associated with an
increased risk of mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, and poor academic
performance (Jordan & Andersen, 2017). Socially, early PAS use can negatively affect interpersonal
relationships, increase school dropout, and increase participation in risky behaviors (DeWit et al.,
2000; Salas-Wright et al., 2016).
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Sandra Yaneth Quiroz Coral
This information was essential, as it showed
the need to implement actions to prevent the
use of substances, both legal and illegal, in
university institutions with a gender approach.
According to UNODC (2018b), women facing
drug consumption problems often have fewer
resources, such as education, employment
and economic income, compared to men.
In addition, many of them live with partners
who also face substance use problems, suffer
physical and emotional abuse, and have family
responsibilities. They also frequently experience
psychological or psychiatric disorders, often
related to mood disorders.
Tobacco was the second most commonly used
legal substance, which may be influenced by
the growing perception among young people
that cigarettes are less harmful than other
psychoactive substances. Despite global
awareness campaigns about the risks of
tobacco, many students tend to underestimate
its harmful effects compared with drugs such
as marijuana or cocaine. This misperception is
partly due to the legality of cigarettes and the
normalization of their use in society.
In this context, it is important to highlight
the implementation of Law 1335 of 2009,
adopted by universities to promote smoke-free
environments, which represents a positive step
to reduce its consumption.
However, both alcohol and tobacco remain
the most widely used legal drugs among the
university population, mainly due to their
easy accessibility, presence in public spaces
and widespread availability despite existing
regulations. The oversupply of these substances
in various contexts remains a challenge. In
addition, tobacco use among young people has
a strong social component, as many students
smoke to fit into certain groups or as part of
a collective ritual. These socialization spaces,
where belonging is sought and experiences are
shared, often include cigarette consumption,
which adds a layer of complexity to the design
of effective prevention strategies.
On the other hand, marijuana consumption
shows significant differences between
universities, with the Universidad Mariana
having the highest rate (25.84%) and
Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios
having the lowest (12.96%). This data is
consistent with the growing trend observed
in the Andean region, as highlighted by
UNODC (2017), which reports a sustained
increase in marijuana use among university
students since 2009. For Cazenave et al.
(2017), marijuana consumption among young
university students may be linked to a process
of identity construction in which they seek to
distance themselves from the adult world.
The practice of substance consumption can
be interpreted as a symbolic act of opposition
and belonging to a youth group, in which peers
play a vital role as a space for socialization
and reinforcement of these behaviors.
Risk perception regarding PAS use is a key
factor in the behavior of university students.
According to the Report on Drug Use in the
Americas (Inter-American Drug Abuse Control
Commission [CICAD] & Organization of American
States [OAS], 2019), lower risk perception is
associated with greater consumption of drugs
such as alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana, and
this pattern is also observed in the university
population of Bogotá D.C.
The study on the use of psychoactive substances
in Bogotá D.C. (Alcaldía Mayor de Bogotá et al.,
2022) confirms that university students have
a high rate of use of these substances and a
relatively low perception of the risks involved.
In addition, the report highlights that although
injectable drugs carry a high risk of overdose
and blood infections, their negative perception
of risk contributes to their less frequent use
compared to substances such as alcohol and
tobacco. These findings underscore the need to
increase education about the risks associated
with substance use and how risk perceptions
influence consumption decisions among
students.
Regarding the ease of access and supply
of drugs in general, the option ‘It would be
easy for me to get’, ranked alcohol first, then
cigarettes, followed by the first illegal drug:
marijuana. In this regard, it is important to
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Revista Criterios - vol. 32 n.o 1 Enero-Junio 2025 - pp. 34-47
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
Characterization of the use of psychoactive substances in the university population
Sandra Yaneth Quiroz Coral
note that where availability, ease of access
and supply are greatest, consumption rates
are highest.
For their part, Torres et al. (2015) focused
their study on the different universities in the
city of Medellín and found that alcohol is one
of the most consumed substances, followed by
tobacco, marijuana, and cocaine. Furthermore,
the World Drug Report (UNODC, 2018b) argues
that globalization affects drug trafficking and
increases the expansion of trade, facilitating
agreements between criminal organizations in
different territories, while expanding trafficking
networks and making control more difficult for
the entities responsible for monitoring drug
trafficking, which in turn facilitates access,
supply and demand.
Castañeda (2019) states that the beginning
and permanence of the consumption of SPA
in university institutions is due to freedom,
diversity, controversy, ideal, autonomy and
opposition, aspects that favor and encourage
consumption. In addition, the confrontation
with family, social and academic demands
are the main causes for the beginning, all to
achieve a respected status in the university
context. Likewise, consumption is associated
with affective and emotional difficulties,
socioeconomic situations, mental health
problems or simple curiosity (Avella et al.,
2020). While it is true that these aspects directly
influence the consumption of these substances,
the university community, especially that of
Nariño, is also faced with an imminent risk: the
geographical location, since it is strategically
connected to the rest of the country by means
of land, river and air routes, which facilitates
the elaboration and production of this type of
substances (Ministerio de Justicia, 2018).
Regarding the strengths of the study, these are
mainly due to the sample size, the choice of
four university contexts, the use of a nationally
validated instrument with high levels of
representativeness, which allowed a baseline
for future measurements, since it is the same
one used by the nation in its measurements as
a country. Thus, these results can guide the
design and strengthening of universal, selective
and indicated prevention strategies in university
contexts and the structuring of public policies,
as well as periodic measurements that can be
compared in the future with those of a national
nature. On the other hand, the main limitation
of the research was its cross-sectional nature,
which did not allow answering causal questions.
Likewise, the descriptive level of the study did
not allow for a more complete analysis of the
variables or aspects evaluated.
Conclusions
The use of psychoactive substances in the
university population, especially alcohol and
tobacco, reflects a normalization influenced
by factors such as accessibility and cultural
acceptance. This phenomenon is exacerbated
in areas close to universities, where the supply
of alcohol is high. Although students are aware
of the risks involved, the perception of danger
is low, which contributes to the increase in
consumption, especially among young people
between 16 and 20 years of age. To address
this problem, it is essential to implement
prevention strategies with a gender approach
and public policies that reduce access, increase
education about the risks and promote safer
consumption practices that reduce harm.
Consumption in universities is influenced by
the high availability of the substance and low
risk perception, especially in the case of alcohol
and tobacco. Socio-economic, cultural and
social pressures play a key role in this trend,
affecting the academic and social development
of students. Therefore, in order to reduce
the impact, it is crucial to implement specific
prevention programs that take into account
these realities, with particular attention to
gender differences and social factors that
perpetuate consumption in the university
environment.
Conict of interest
The author of the article declares that she
has no conflict of interest regarding the work
presented.
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Revista Criterios - vol. 32 n.o 1 Enero-Junio 2025 - pp. 34-47
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https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
Characterization of the use of psychoactive substances in the university population
Sandra Yaneth Quiroz Coral
Ethical Responsibilities
For the development of this study, aspects related to the ethical management of the instrument
and the results of the research have been considered, in compliance with the provisions of Law
1090 of 2006 on Psychologists, especially regarding the management of information, participation
with informed consent, and the use of scientifically proven procedures and intellectual property in
the research process.
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rp.25266
Contribution
Sandra Yaneth Quiroz Coral: Principal
investigator, statistical data processing, writing
of materials and methods and obtaining the
results, analysis and interpretation of results,
writing of the introduction, methods, discussion
and conclusions.
The author prepared the manuscript, read it
and approved it.