College is often a time of exploration and learning, but did you know it is also a time of binge drinking and substance abuse? According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, alcohol and drug addiction on college campuses is slightly less common than among those aged 18-24 who are not enrolled in college. Substance abuse is still a major part of college life. Atlanta Detox Center is taking an in-depth look at the correlations between college students and substance abuse, offering insights on why it occurs and how it should be addressed.

Why Is Substance Abuse in College Students So Prevalent?

Substance abuse among college students is a complex issue influenced by various factors inherent to the college experience. The transition to college often represents a time of newfound independence, social exploration, and academic pressure, creating an environment ripe for experimentation with substances. Additionally, peer influence, stress, and easy access to alcohol and drugs contribute to the prevalence of substance abuse among this demographic.

Some key reasons for addiction in college students include:

• Social Pressures: College environments often foster a culture of heavy drinking and substance use, where students may feel compelled to partake to fit in or alleviate social anxieties.
• Academic Stress: The demands of coursework, exams, and extracurricular activities can lead to high levels of stress, prompting some students to turn to substances as a coping mechanism.
• Ease of Access: Colleges and university campuses may provide easy access to alcohol and drugs, whether through social events, parties, or peer networks.
• Misinformation: Misconceptions about the safety and consequences of substance use, coupled with a lack of education on responsible use, can lead to risky behaviors among college students.
• Mental Health Challenges: The transition to college life can exacerbate existing mental health issues or trigger new ones, leading some students to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.

Addressing the prevalence of substance abuse among college students requires a multifaceted approach that involves education, prevention programs, access to mental health resources, and supportive campus environments that promote healthy behaviors and decision-making. By understanding the underlying factors contributing to substance abuse in this demographic, stakeholders can implement targeted interventions aimed at reducing harm and promoting student well-being.

What Drug Is Most Commonly Used and Abused in College?

College marijuana use has surged to historic highs, with rates hovering around 43%, marking a 7% increase over the past five years for college students. These figures represent the highest levels in 35 years. Notably, daily or near-daily marijuana use is twice as prevalent among non-college respondents compared to college students, with approximately 11.1% of non-college individuals reporting such frequency compared to 5.9% of college students. This significant disparity underscores a concerning trend in substance use patterns among young adults.

On the other hand, the prevalence of nicotine vaping has undergone a dramatic escalation, particularly among college students, where the rate doubled between 2017 and 2018, reaching 15.5%. This surge represents one of the most substantial year-on-year increases for any substance in the survey’s history. Similarly, non-college adults witnessed a noteworthy uptick in nicotine vaping, rising from 7.9% to 12.5% during the same period.¹

Despite these concerning trends, there are some positive developments regarding prescription drug misuse, with significant reductions in opioid misuse observed over the past five years among both college and non-college demographics. However, there are gender discrepancies in Adderall misuse rates, with higher prevalence among college men compared to college women, while the opposite holds for non-college adults. Overall, Adderall misuse is more prevalent among college students than their non-college peers. Additionally, binge drinking rates among college students have dropped below 30% for the first time, a positive shift indicating potential improvements in alcohol consumption behaviors among this demographic.¹

Getting a Prescription From a Friend Doesn’t Make it Safe

Eighteen percent of college students reported using illicit drugs other than marijuana. Almost 10% of this illicit drug use comes from prescription drugs used to treat ADHD, such as Vyvanse, Adderall, and Ritalin. One in three college students say that they have abused Adderall at some point, either when studying for a test, going out on a Friday night, or even helping them lose weight before spring break. Many of these students are getting this stimulant from friends who are willing to sell their ADHD medication to make a few bucks.

Students say they feel like it’s “not as bad” since they are getting it from a friend, and it’s a legal prescription, not an illegal drug. Adderall is a powerful stimulant that many college students believe helps when studying for a midterm exam by keeping them awake and focused. When abused, Adderall can keep users alert, increase their heart rate and suppress appetite. Adderall is a legal prescription drug used to treat ADHD, but when you abuse it, its effects are similar to cocaine.

College users believe it is “safer” since it is a legal prescription that they buy from friends instead of cocaine, which is bought and made on the street. However, mixing Adderall while binge drinking on the weekend could have more serious repercussions than a hangover, missing a class, or failing a test- it could lead to death.

Marijuana is one of the most widely used illicit drugs in the United States. While marijuana has become legal under some state laws, under federal law, it remains a Schedule 1 Narcotic, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no medical use. 13% of college students use marijuana daily. Using marijuana daily can lead to skipping class, feelings of anxiety and depression, and dependence. Entering college should be a time of exploring, learning, and trying new things, but those new things don’t have to be drugs and alcohol. While some students may feel they have “nothing to worry about” or could “grow out of using.”

Atlanta Detox Treatment for College Students

If you are a college student worried about your drinking or drug use, you are not alone. Don’t wait to hit rock bottom before seeking help. We are one of the best detox centers in Atlanta, GA, that offers treatment for alcohol, prescription drugs, opioids, methamphetamine, and heroin.

Through our mental health rehabilitation counseling program, we will also work with you to manage co-occurring mental health disorders. The best chance to maintain long-term recovery is to participate in long-term treatment services. Before leaving our Georgia detox center, we will assess whether or not further treatment programs, including residential or outpatient treatment, will be necessary. For young adults in and out of colleges and universities, let go of this burden, and let’s chat today about your treatment options. Call 844-658-0927 to speak to an admissions specialist.

Source:

1. NIH – Drug and Alcohol Use in College-Age Adults in 2018