title: Use of stimulant substances among university students in tehran: a qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is evidence to show an increase in use of stimulant substances among university students. This study is a qualitative assessment of the existing situation and the underlying reasons for stimulant use among the students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2006.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three qualitative methods have been used: focus group discussions with 7 groups (60 individuals) consisting of male and female students in the dormitories and in the university environment, in-depth interview with 20 drug user students, and interview with 20 key informants including counselors, managers and guards of dormitories, staff of the office for Culture and Welfare Affairs of students and members of students' organizations. Purposeful or opportunistic method was used for sampling.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ecstasy and methylphenidate (Ritalin) were mentioned as the stimulants used by the students. The main declared reasons for ecstasy use were desire to have fun and excitement, desire to modernity, participation in parties, curiosity and living without family. The high expense of ecstasy pills and the training provided by media were mentioned as the main protective factors. Most respondents believed that use of methylphenidate was more prevalent than ecstasy use. In contrary to the drugs used for fun and enjoyment, methylphenidate is used for increasing learning abilities and academic achievement. Other pointed- out factors were ease of use and being stigma-free. Conclusion Increasing risk perception via training, social alternatives to risky activities and parental training for continuing care and advice in the college period are recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department for Mental Health and Substance Use Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS (IRCHA), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
authors.forename: Afarin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rahimi-Movaghar
authors.affiliation: Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
authors.forename: Golara
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Khastoo
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
authors.forename: Mahdieh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moinolghorabaei
authors.affiliation: Center for Environmental Research & School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
authors.forename: Masud
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yunesian
authors.affiliation: Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
authors.forename: Ahmad-Reza
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Sadeghi
keywords: Ecstasy; Iran; Methylphenidate; Stimulants; University Students