College students who do not successfully complete undergraduate studies by obtaining bachelor's degrees have much lower average lifetime earnings than college students who do obtain bachelor's degrees. Research suggests that one of the primary reasons for students dropping out or flunking out of undergraduate school is excessive substance use.…

The prediction and prevention of the initial lapse--which is defined as the first lapse after a period of abstinence--is important because the initial lapse often leads to subsequent lapses (within the same lapse episode) or relapse. The prediction of the initial lapse may allow preemptive intervention to be possible. This dissertation reports on…