The relation between intake patterns and substance abuse in a student sample.

The purpose of the present study was to identify intake patterns related to substance abuse in a sample of Mexican students. Self-report questionnaires were administered to 897 students in a technical high school. A sample of 300 alcohol and drug users was selected for the present analysis. The sample consisted of 90% alcohol users, 60% male, their mean age being 18.67 (+/-2.25) years old, and mean education being 10.44 (+/-0.67) years. Over 60% met the DSM IV criteria for substance abuse, and almost half of the sample has experienced at least one adverse consequence due to substance use. More than half of the alcohol users drink five or more drinks per drinking occasion. Both substance abusers and males reported more adverse consequences, more frequent, and higher levels of consumption than nonabusers and females, respectively. Results from the logistic regression indicated that four factorial scales derived from the Inventory of Drug-Taking Situations (IDTS) [Annis, A., & Martin, G. (1985). Inventory of Drug-Taking Situations. Toronto: Addiction Research Foundation.] were appropriate predictors of substance abuse. The scales Temptation and Boredom, Family Conflict, Good Mood and Testing Control, and Physical Discomfort and Conflict at School were related to substance abuse, correctly classifying 75% of substance abusers. Information about intake situations associated to substance abuse can be useful in the planning of school-based prevention campaigns.