College Students and Substance Abuse: Deadly Combinations
College is often a time of exploration and learning. However, for some, it’s also a time of binge drinking and substance abuse? Studies show that college students are more likely to partake in binge drinking, marijuana use, and prescription drug use, which often leads to substance abuse. College students and substance abuse are a deadly combination.
Worried about an addiction problem? If so, a residential mental health treatment program may be right for you. Call us today at 833.625.0458 to find out.
What Drug is Most Commonly Used and Abused in College?
The answer may (or may not) surprise you: alcohol. In fact, 60% of college students drink alcohol. While many people between the ages of 18 and 22 are likely to experiment with alcohol, college students are more likely to partake in dangerous binge drinking. Two out of three college students binge drink to the point of blackout on a weekly basis. Binge drinking is consuming enough alcohol to raise your BAC above .08 within two hours, which is about five drinks for men and four for women. This can lead to fatal car crashes, liver problems, alcohol poisoning, and death.
However, alcohol is not the only drug abused by college students. Prescription drugs are also commonly abused on college campuses. A recent study found that one in four college students had taken a prescription drug without a prescription in the past year. These drugs can be just as dangerous as alcohol, and even more addictive. Some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs include opioids, stimulants, and benzodiazepines.
Getting a Prescription From a Friend Doesn’t Make it Safe
18% 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 says that they have abused Adderall at some point, either when studying for a test, going out on a Friday night, or even to help 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.
Adderall
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. This drug is a federally controlled substance and can only be prescribed by a doctor. It is important to be aware of the risks associated with taking Adderall without a prescription. Remember that Adderall is a Schedule II drug. That means that it has a high potential for abuse and can lead to physical and psychological dependence.
Adderall is 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 off friends, instead of cocaine that 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
Marijuana is one of the most widely used illicit drugs in the United States. Weed is made from the dried leaves of the Cannabis sativa plant. The main psychoactive chemical in marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). When marijuana is smoked, THC enters the bloodstream and goes to the brain, where it interacts with cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are found in areas of the brain that control movement, coordination, learning, memory, and pleasure. The result of this interaction is the “high” that users feel.
While marijuana has become legal under some state law, 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. However, those new things don’t have to be drugs and alcohol. While some students may feel they have “nothing to worry about” or that they could “grow out of using.”
Don’t Wait For Rock Bottom
A shocking 28% of college students recently reported they were “concerned about their drug misuse.” Furthermore, over 50% of college students indicated a negative consequence of using drugs or drinking in the past year. If you are a college student worried about your drinking or drug use, you are not alone. Don’t wait to hit a “rock bottom.” Call us at 833.625.0458 and let’s discuss your treatment options.
