Addiction in university students – determining the levels of cigarette, alcohol, substance, game, and Internet addiction

Abstract

Introduction and aim. This study aims to determine the average addiction levels of university students and the effects of different demographic variables on addiction levels and types. Material and methods. The study included 783 volunteer students in the Seydişehir campus of Necmettin Erbakan University. Data were collected face-to-face using Sociodemographic Information Form, Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), Cut-off test (CAGE), Digital Game Addiction Scale (DGAS-7), and Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Results. Of the students, 27.7% were using tobacco, 14.8% were using alcohol, 2.6% were using ecstasy, 2.3% were using cannabis, 1.4% were using inhalants, 1% were using pills. FTND, DGAS-7, and IAT mean scores were 3.80±2.55, 12.04±5.57, and 43.56±15.73, respectively, and 21.5% had risky alcohol use. Also, 2.2% were game addicts, 3.8% were internet addicts. Digital game addiction, internet addiction, and nicotine addiction were positively correlated. There was no significant relationship between nicotine and internet addictions. Individuals with risky alcohol use had higher rates of nicotine addiction. Conclusion. Students’ addiction rates were similar to the country in general. Addictions gained in the youth years continue in the following years and bring many health problems. Therefore, it is crucial to include the subject of combating addiction more in university education and increase studies on the subject.