Opioid Abuse on College Campuses

First, the bad news: The opioid crisis continues to ravage American communities, with rates of fatal overdoses nearly tripling from 2000 to 2015. 

Now, the good news: Only a small portion of college students are misusing opioids, with 7 to 12 percent of students reporting use for nonmedical reasons and 2 to 3 percent turning to heroin after prescription drugs, according to the American College Health Association (ACHA). 

In general, research has found that individuals with less education are more likely to develop an addiction to opioids. 

Still, college students are far from exempt from the epidemic and the devastating effects of these addictive drugs. In 2016, the ACHA released a set of guidelines to universities on prevention and treatment strategies for opioid misuse. 

ACHA advises college health centers to:

• Avoid prescribing opioids when possible; NSAIDs and acetaminophen are effective for most pain.
• If an opioid is necessary, prescribe for time-limited use only. 
• Discuss the risks and dangers of these opioid medications, including the risk of addiction and overdose.
• Consider close follow-up for confirmed discontinuation.
• Screen for substance abuse, poorly-controlled depression, family history of substance abuse, concomitant use of benzodiazepines, and other major psychiatric disorders.
• Add naloxone to the emergency box or cart.
• Ensure adequate expertise and equipment to manage the airway of an unconscious patient.
• Ensure adequate expertise and equipment to provide intravenous fluid support.
• Plan and practice emergency response, including EMS system activation.

Since that time, many colleges have introduced opioid-related policies, including training sessions for students and employees on opioid use and the distribution of naloxone to campus police and health centers. 

Opioid Addiction Treatment for Young Adults
Early intervention is the best way to help opioid addiction from destroying the life of a young adult. If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, don’t wait to get help. Call us today: 866-930-4673.