Nowadays it seems as if college students and addiction go hand and hand, going so far as to the college students studying drug use first hand. College is the time where the students come to find themselves, have a good time, meet life-long friends, and build successful futures for themselves. Unfortunately, as some college students working on all of those, they are abusing drugs as well. Many students are so fond of their new-found freedom from home, that they either take advantage of that or they don’t know how to cope with being on their own.
Most Abused Drugs Among College Students
Back in 2008, it was reported by The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) that the percentage of illicit drug use and abuse was much higher in young adults from the ages of 18 to 25 at 19.6%, that any other age group, meaning college students. Studies and analyzed data in 2009 done by The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) show that about 374,000 people aged from 18-24 were treated for substance dependence and abuse in the US.
Alcohol- Most college administrators look the other way when it comes to campus parties, thinking of drinking as a right of passage for the college students. Although it may be the norm for college kids to party and gain the famous “freshman 15” the reality is that almost half of college student addiction treatment admissions involve alcohol.
Marijuana- Weed accounted for 30% of student addiction treatment admissions, due to the “relaxing effect” it can have on a stressed out student; it’s easy to abuse that effect.
Adderall- Studies have found that a good amount of college students abuse their adderal, or stimulants alike, to help them cram study and work on their work. This causes anxiety, lack of sleep, and weight loss, which is another reason why some college students do it- for their freshman 15’s.
Prescription Painkillers- Whether it’s high school or college students, prescription drugs are abused everywhere and no matter how much awareness is raised among the students, pill addictions happen. It’s true that marijuana is a gateway drug to other forms of drugs, but painkillers are also a gateway drug to heroin.
Heroin- Heroin, just like painkillers, are spreading everywhere, destroying everything in its path. Many college students abuse heroin due to it’s effects, but overdose rates are continuing to rise.
Ecstasy- Ecstasy, especially Molly (MDMA) is glamorized in popular pop songs and videos, and is known as a party drug for college students, Mixing ecstasy with other drugs is very dangerous, and many cases you’ll find that ecstasy is cut (mixed already) with unknown substances that can easily kill someone on their first use.
Cocaine- Just like adderall, cocaine is used as an upper and for weight loss as well.
Hope For Addicted College Students
Although many college students are struggling with drug and alcohol abuse, there are many things that can help. There are many Collegiate Recovery Communities in colleges all over the country, such as the Ohio State CRC. The OSU CRC even holds sober tailgates for football season. There is help for a struggling and addicted college student, all the student needs is the willingness to ask for help. If you or someone you know is struggling, call (866) 323-6590 today.
