The Most Commonly Misused Drugs for College Students

College creates a mix of freedom and stress that is unique to the campus environment. Being on their own for the first time can feel liberating for your child, but the pressures of studying and meeting new people might feel overwhelming. Students carrying a full course load could be tempted to drink or use drugs, especially on campuses that have a party culture. What are the most typical drugs for college students to use, and what should you, as a parent, know about them?

1. Alcohol

Alcohol is readily available on many college campuses, even for people who are under 21. The 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed some eye-opening statistics about drinking on college campuses.

• 54.9% of full-time college students between ages 18 and 22 drank alcohol within the past month
• 36.9% had experiences with binge drinking
• 9.6% described themselves as heavy alcohol users, defined as people who binge drank five times or more within a month

The risks of underage drinking are numerous, especially in young people whose brains are still not fully developed. Remind your child that you’re there as a resource for them if they get invited to a party where alcohol and other drugs will be available and they want to avoid peer pressure.

2. Marijuana

Another illicit drug that is, unfortunately, easy to come by on many college campuses is marijuana. Students may be curious about smoking or vaping pot because its depiction in countless movies and TV shows makes it look fun. They may have also heard marijuana can help them relax, which can seem appealing to people who are stressing out about exams, group projects and looming due dates.

In addition to remaining illegal in about half of U.S. states, marijuana use can cause memory loss, as well as impaired motor skills and decision-making ability. It can also lead to a sharp decline in academic performance.

3. Stimulants

Prescription stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin can help people with ADHD concentrate, but that temporary clarity appeals to many college students who believe these drugs can give them a competitive edge. Thanks to the frequency with which doctors prescribe stimulants, these medications are prevalent among college students, and your son or daughter may be able to obtain these so-called “study drugs” from a friend who has a legitimate prescription.

Although not everyone who uses Adderall is in danger of developing an addiction, you should know that prescription stimulants can be highly addictive, because they affect the reward center of the brain the same way methamphetamines do. People who take these drugs at higher doses outside a doctor’s supervision will gradually build a tolerance until they no longer feel as if they can function normally without the medication.

What You Can Do to Combat College Drug Use

As a parent, you can help convince your college-aged child not to experiment with drugs and alcohol while they’re away at school. Talk to your daughter or son about the consequences of drug use, including failing their classes, the possible legal ramifications and the hazards to their health.

You can also educate yourself about the college’s drug and alcohol policy and how they enforce it. Meanwhile, before sending your child away to school, make sure they know how to recognize and respond to an overdose.

If you believe your child has developed a problem with alcohol, marijuana, stimulants or any other drug, reach out to us at Hope Academy. We can get your college-aged son or daughter the help they need to recover and discover the bright future that awaits them without drugs and alcohol.