Substance Abuse in College
Students in college are one of the largest groups of substance abusers In the United States. As many of us are introduced at a young age to drugs they seem more and more acceptable as a coping mechanism to stress and our surroundings. This article aims to help you better understand why there is substance abuse in college students and what to do about it.
Why College Students Use Drugs
College can be an extremely stressful time. We are pressured from family, teachers, and others around us to do well otherwise we may not succeed in life! What this often leads to is self coping mechanisms. Since most college students are surrounded by Marijuana and alcohol at parties, and “Study Drugs” such as Adderall for performing well on tests, this can quickly spiral out of control and lead towards experimentation of other harder drugs to continually numb the stress that may be experienced.
Most Commonly Used Drugs by College Students
Many drugs are seen at local parties, used for studying, and used as a means for coping with stress. Although this is not an exhaustive list, these are the most commonly used drugs by college students:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Prescription Medication
- MDMA/Ecstasy
- Cocaine
- Fentanyl
If you would like to learn more about these, Here are the 7 Hardest Drugs to Kick.
Warning Signs of Drug Use in Students
Whether you yourself are struggling, you are a parent, or you are a concerned friend, it’s important to fully understand the situation so that you can get the best help. There are several warning signs you can pay attention to for signs of drug use in students. These include:
- Often late to class
- Sharp or consistent decrease in grades
- Always tired and hard to wake up
- Smell of smoke on clothes
- Avoiding eye contact
- Sudden poor hygiene issues
- Bloodshot eyes
While these are just a few of the possible many warning signs of student drug use, talk with them first and explain your concern if you suspect something is going on.
How to Actually Get Help for an Addicted Student
If you are convinced that things are out of control for yourself or your loved one then getting help with a drug rehab center or drug interventionist will be a great first step. As earlier discussed, there may be other underlying issues associated with drug use. No two people are the same and neither should a treatment plan. If you would like to learn more about customized addiction treatment please reach out to us at Pej@beginningstreatment.com or call (800)387-6907 for 24/7 support
If you liked this article and podcast, you may also like: Youth drug use – How different generations use drugs
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