Psychoactive substances exposure in a university student population: a comparison between scientific literature and preliminary data collected at the University of Pavia

Abstract Background The university environment is often associated with high levels of academic and social pressure, potentially being related to an increase in psychoactive substances use. Medical students, in particular, exhibit high levels of stress and a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders compared to general population, potentially influencing their substance consumption patterns. Objective The present preliminary study, conducted within the "NO PANIC" project framework, aimed to analyze the prevalence, motivations, and risk factors associated with psychoactive substances use among university students enrolled in the Medicine and Surgery and Health Professions of Rehabilitation Sciences degree programs at the University of Pavia. Methods An anonymous online survey was administered to 97 students during a highly stressful academic period. The survey assessed lifetime and recent use of legal recreational substances, illicit drugs, prescription psychoactive medications, and neuroenhancers. Data on consumption patterns, motivations for use, acquisition methods, adverse effects, perceived stress levels, and psychiatric diagnoses were collected. Statistical analyses were performed to identify differences between subgroups. Results Lifetime use of legal recreational substances was reported by 97.9% of participants, with alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine being the most commonly used. Illicit drug use was reported by 51.5% of respondents, with cannabis being the most commonly used substance among students. Prescription psychoactive substances were used by 19.6% of students, with benzodiazepines and antidepressants being more prevalent among medical students. Neuroenhancer use was rare (1%). Higher stress levels and psychiatric diagnoses were significantly more common in medical students (79% and 15.8%, respectively), correlating with increased psychoactive substance use. The tested subjects as primary motivations provided stress management, anxiety reduction, and sleep improvement. Despite frequent adverse effects, 80% of users reported that substance use met their expectations. Conclusions The findings of this study highlight stress as a significant risk factor for psychoactive substance use among university students, particularly those in medical programs. This underscores the need for targeted preventive strategies and mental health support within academic settings. The study’s methodology demonstrated feasibility for broader application in future research, including biological sample analysis.