| Substance use remains a pressing concern in the United States. Among various demographic groups, young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 report the highest rates of substance use. Within this age group, college students report the highest rate of heavy alcohol use, as compared to their non-college peers. Various factors have been linked to substance use among college students. Stress is one of the major risk factors for substance use in this population, while religious involvement has been identified among major protective factors for substance use. While numerous studies explore substance use rates, prevalence, and trends in adolescents and college students, very few of those studies examine substance use behaviors and attitudes among students in Christian colleges as compared to students in secular colleges. The present study is aimed at addressing this gap in the literature and at expanding the body of research in this area. Participants of the study included 897 students from various colleges and universities in the United States. Approximately half of the students were enrolled into Christian-affiliated schools, whereas the rest of the students were enrolled into secular schools. Results of the study indicated that students enrolled into Christian schools reported significantly lower frequency and amount of alcohol use, as well as significantly lower prevalence of illicit drug use, as compared to students from secular schools. Results also revealed that students who attend religious services and engage in prayer regularly reported lower rates of substance use. |
