Introduction

This study aimed to identify the number of students from a higher education institution into the interior of São Paulo state who experienced their entry into alcohol, tobacco and other substances in order to evaluate the occurrence and dependency level on them.

Materials and Methods

An extract of a compiling, exploratory, descriptive study under a quantitative approach was conducted in 416 undergraduate students. The data were collected over the third quarter of 2017 by applying a semi-structured questionnaire prepared by the authors in addition to the Triage Questionnaire for Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Use. A descriptive statistical analysis was conducted for data analysis as well as a Pearson’ chi-squared test, according to the instructions for the application of the selected instrument. This study was received and approved by the Research Ethics Committee.

Results

The general rates for entry and drug type are 140 (30%) for tobacco derivatives, 303 (66%) for alcohol beverages, 89 (19%) for marijuana, 32 (7%) for cocaine/crack, 24 (5%) for amphetamines or ecstasy, 30 (7%) for inhalant drugs, 45 (10%) for hypnotics/sedatives, 36 (8%) for hallucinogens and 9 (2%) for opioids.

Discussion

Students showed to be involved in all types of substances which is linked to flexibility in relation to their use in the university environment and their easy access.

Conclusions

Undergraduate students have a real and intense relationship with alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. In addition to this relationship, the risk of addiction to these substances is presented as a major social and healthcare problem.

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