Stimulant Use in College Students Compared to

NCAA Division III Basketball Student-Athletes

Alison Zimny

Abstract
A stimulant is a drug used to increase energy, alertness, and attention.
Stimulant use is known to elevate blood pressure, respiration, and heart
rate. Stimulant use is common on college campuses and the use has
increased in recent years (Arria & DuPont, 2010). The purpose of this study
was to see if there is a difference in stimulant use in NCAA Division III
basketball student-athletes compared to those who are non-athletes at the
same institution. A survey was sent out via email to a small group of
undergraduate students, both non-athletes and Division III student athlete
basketball players at Immaculata University. Due to a small sample size
and the apparent lack of knowledge that these students had regarding
stimulants, no conclusions could be made. Although a small number of
students indicated that they consumed caffeine, a stimulant, no participants
stated that they used stimulants. When comparing responses based on
sport participation, major, GPA, gender, and year in school to the use of
stimulants, the effects of the stimulants, how often stimulants are used, and
the use of prescription stimulants, no significant differences were found.

Introduction

A large amount of college students claim to have poor sleeping habits due
to academic stress and different stimulants can be used to try and improve
mood, energy, and alertness (Zunhammer et al., 2014).
Additional stress placed on college students during exams can increase
their likelihood to use stimulants to improve their performance (Houghlum
& Harrelson, 2011).
Side effects that result from the over use of stimulants can include, but are
not limited to: nervousness, insomnia, weight loss, increased blood
pressure, headache, dizziness, and irritability (Houglum & Harrelson,
2011).

Results

Problem and Purpose

PROBLEM:
Stimulant use in college students has increased in recent years (Arria & DuPont,
2010). Some of the factors that could lead to a college student using stimulants
include, but are not limited to, school work, athletics, social events, and working
while taking classes.
PURPOSE:
To determine if there is a difference in stimulant use in NCAA Division III basketball
student-athletes compared to those who are non-athletes at the same institution.

Methods
Participants:
Male and female students at Immaculata University
12 responses out of 44 potential participants
4 males & 8 females
9 basketball players (3 males, 6 females)
3 non athletes (1 male, 2 females)
Mean age 20.58 years

Procedures:
Email invitation was sent out once a week for 3 weeks.
Survey distributed through Survey Monkey
28 questions regarding age, gender, academic information, daily life,
stimulant/caffeine use, and athletic information

References:
Arria, A..& Dupont, R. (2010). Nonmedical prescription stimulant use among college students: Why we need to do something and what we need to do. Journal of Addictive Diseases, 417-426. Retrieved October 20, 2015.
Houglum, J., Harrelson, G. (2011). Principles of pharmacology for athletic trainers. Thorofare, NJ: SLACK.
Zunhammer, M., Eichhammer, P., & Busch, V. (2014). Sleep quality during exam stress: the role of alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. Plos One. 9(10). www.plosone.org.

Caffeine Usage:
There were no significant differences found based on gender, major,
GPA, academic year and years participating in sport.
Stimulant Usage:
There were no significant differences found based on major, GPA,
and years participating in their sport.
Activity Hours:
Time spent doing school work, sleeping, & outside work
There were no significant differences found based on use of caffeine,
GPA, academic year, and gender.

Conclusions and Further Research

When comparing responses based on sport participation, major, GPA,
gender, and year in school to the use of stimulants, the effects of the
stimulants, how often stimulants are used, and the use of prescription
stimulants, no significant differences were found.
This research attempted to provide insight into the frequency of stimulant
use of college students.
More education about stimulants should be available to students but
especially student athletes at the NCAA division III level.
Caffeine is a stimulant
Too much caffeine in the system can lead to a positive drug test
during NCAA drug testing