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Drinking and Drug Use by College Students: Comparing Criminal Justice Majors and Non-Majors

NCJ Number
227580
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 37 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2009 Pages: 234-240
Author(s)
M. Kevin Gray; Kelly L. Brown
Date Published
June 2009
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study compared drinking and drug use among criminal justice students and non-criminal justice students.
Abstract
Differences were found between criminal justice students and non-criminal justice students especially in terms of drinking behavior; fewer differences were found between majors in terms of drug use. The findings highlighted that many students aiming to work in the justice system were not refraining from the drinking and drug subcultures of college life. Comparisons of students majoring in criminal justice and students majoring in other disciplines have sought to identify important attitudinal or behavioral differences that might impact these future justice professionals' performance. Following a literature review, this study examined drinking and drug use among college students using a self-report survey of students from a Midwestern university. The study also explored the frequency of alcohol use, binge drinking, and drug use. Specific attention was paid to the drinking behaviors and drug use behaviors among criminal justice and non-criminal justice students. Tables, note, and references