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Using Drugs in General: A Quantitative Study
ABSTRACT
This study explores patterns of drug use in general, focusing on alcohol, smoking, and medication use among a small sample of participants. Quantitative methods were used to analyse responses from 20 individuals using SPSS software. The research aimed to identify basic trends related to gender and frequency of substance use. The findings suggest that alcohol consumption was the most commonly reported substance, followed by smoking and non-prescribed medication use. Differences between male and female participants were present but limited due to the small sample size. Existing literature indicates that substance use remains a significant global and UK public health concern, particularly among young adults (WHO, 2023; NHS, 2022). Although the results of this study cannot be generalised, they offer useful insight into everyday drug use patterns and highlight the importance of larger, more representative research. The study concludes by emphasising the value of ethical, small-scale quantitative research in social science education.
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
Drug use is a major social issue that affects health, behaviour, and wider society. In this study, the term drugs refers to commonly used substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and medication, including both prescribed and non-prescribed use. These substances are widely consumed and socially accepted in many cultures, yet they can have serious physical, psychological, and social consequences when misused.
The rationale for conducting this research was to gain a clearer understanding of everyday drug use among people known to the researcher, including friends and family. This small-scale study was carried out as part of a quantitative research methods module, with the aim of developing practical skills in data collection, ethical research practice, and statistical analysis using SPSS.
The main aim of the research was to examine general patterns of drug use and to explore whether there were any noticeable differences between male and female participants. The research questions focused on identifying which substances were most commonly used and how frequently they were consumed. Although limited in scope, this study provides a useful foundation for understanding how quantitative methods can be applied to social research topics.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Previous research shows that drug use is a widespread issue both globally and in the UK. According to the World Health Organization, alcohol consumption contributes to over three million deaths worldwide each year, making it one of the leading risk factors for poor health (WHO, 2023). Smoking remains another major concern, with tobacco use responsible for millions of preventable deaths annually.
In the UK context, the NHS reports that around 14 percent of adults are smokers, while alcohol use is deeply embedded in social culture, particularly among young adults (NHS, 2022). Research by the Office for National Statistics also highlights gender differences, with males generally reporting higher levels of alcohol and substance use compared to females (ONS, 2021).
Studies have also shown that non-medical use of prescription drugs is increasing, especially among younger populations. This trend has raised concerns about dependency, mental health, and long-term wellbeing (UNODC, 2022). While large-scale surveys provide robust data, small-scale studies remain valuable for educational purposes and for exploring social behaviours in specific contexts.
METHODOLOGY
This research used a quantitative research method to collect and analyse numerical data. A structured questionnaire was chosen as it allowed for consistent data collection and straightforward statistical analysis. This method was appropriate given the aims of the study and the limited time and resources available (Bryman, 2016).
The sample consisted of 20 participants, including 10 males and 10 females. Convenience sampling was used, as participants were drawn from the researcher’s friends and family. While this limits generalisability, it was suitable for a small educational study.
The research process involved selecting the topic, designing survey questions with guidance from the lecturer, and making ethical improvements where necessary. Participants were asked general, non-invasive questions about drug use. The responses were then entered into SPSS software, where frequency tables and crosstabulations were produced.
Ethical considerations were carefully addressed. Participation was voluntary, responses were anonymous, and no sensitive personal information was collected. The data was stored securely and not shared publicly. Reflexivity was important throughout the process, as the researcher acknowledged their role in data collection and recognised the limitations of researching people they already knew.
