Perception of Risk and Drug Use: An Exploratory Analysis of the Determinants that Affect Drug Perception and Social Distance

Abstract

This study looks to further explore the idea of drugs on a collegiate campus and the factors that affect drug perception. While there are many studies being done on drug use, most of the studies done deal with the issue through psychological studies and physical studies. Applying a more sociological approach to the topic of drug use, this study focuses and analyses the idea that drug perception and social distance may be effected by certain determinants. Using survey data, I study how the person’s perception of drug use and social distance is neatly tied to an individual’s perception of risky behavior. Looking solely at binge drinking, marijuana and cocaine, further analyses are to be used to better understand the relationship between risk perception and drug perception.