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College student use of Salvia divinorum.

James E Lange, Mark B Reed, Julie M Ketchie Croff, John D Clapp

Drug and Alcohol Dependence April 1, 2008 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2007.10.018 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed
Sample size 1,516
Population College students at a large public university in the southwestern U.S.
Topics Salvia divinorum
Keywords Drug prevalence
Citations 79
Key findings 4.4% of college students reported using salvia at least once in the past 12 months, with higher use among Whites, males, fraternity members, and heavy episodic drinkers.

Abstract

Salvia divinorum (salvia) is a plant that appears to be enjoying increased popularity as a legal hallucinogen in many U.S. jurisdictions. While the popular press has claimed that its use has become widespread, there have been no epidemiological studies published documenting this within the U.S. A sample of college students was randomly drawn from a large public university in the southwestern U.S. and invited to participate in an online survey that included salvia use among a set of other drug use items. From the sample of 1516 college student respondents, a pattern of use emerged that indicates that salvia is indeed becoming a significant member of the list of drugs used, with 4.4% of students reporting using salvia at least once within the past 12 months. Subpopulations that are typically most at risk for drug use within college students (Whites, males, fraternity members, heavy episodic drinkers) also were most likely to use salvia. The results indicate that more research is needed to determine the generalizability of these findings, and identify whether there are any negative consequences experienced either by the user or the community associated with this drug.

Comparable studies

Other cross-sectional and survey studies on salvia divinorum, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Pattern of use and subjective effects of Salvia divinorum among recreational users. Recreational users of salvia and other psychedelics 2006 Cross-sectional survey n = 32
Use patterns and self-reported effects of Salvia divinorum: an internet-based survey. Individuals who had used Salvia divinorum and visited related pages of a... 2010 Cross-sectional survey n = 500
Salvia Divinorum Use among a College Student Sample Students at a large public university 2008 Survey
Recent national trends in Salvia divinorum use and substance-use disorders among recent and former Salvia divinorum users compared with nonusers. Noninstitutionalized US residents aged 12 or older 2011 Cross-sectional survey analysis n = 166,453
Salvia divinorum use and phenomenology: results from an online survey. Recent users of Salvia divinorum 2011 Survey n = 154

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Salvia divinorum