By: Lakeview Health
Drugs on college campuses are surprisingly easy to get. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Monitoring the Future report of 2014, college-aged drug use is now lower among college students than it is for peers who aren’t enrolled in college. However, with 38.6% of college students using illicit drugs, this is still one of the largest groups of drug abusers in America at a time in their lives that offers the most promise.
Reasons Students Use Drugs on College Campuses
College is the first time many students have left home for an extended period of time, and they encounter many new experiences and stressors that lead to drug use. While such reasons never justify recreational drug abuse, they are still the reasons why many college students fall into the trap of using illicit substances. Some of those reasons include:
- Social anxiety
- Stress from demands of college life
- Course load
- Curiosity
- Peer pressure
- Availability of alcohol and illicit substances
Most Commonly Used Drugs on College Campuses
Although trends come and go, several drugs remain at the top of college abuse lists. The commonly used drugs at college campuses across the U.S. include:
College students may use drugs alone or with peers. Additionally, students may favor the use of stimulants as a “study drug” to help them pull “all nighters.” Alcohol is one of the most prevalently abused substances on college campuses. Fraternities and sororities are among the common communities on college campuses that support drinking and drug use. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s Higher Education Center, pledging students are 26% more likely to use alcohol..
When Drugs on College Campuses Become a Real, Long-Term Problem
For those struggling with addiction, collegiate studies will likely suffer, and much of their potential for a bright future may be thrown away. College students or college-aged young adults struggling with drug or alcohol abuse due to experimentation need to get help as soon as possible at an accredited addiction treatment center. Without clinical help, abuse can escalate to addiction, increasing the risk of overdose, injury, or death. Addiction treatment specialists at Lakeview Health provide a comprehensive continuum of care. Lakeview Health’s addiction treatment programs include detoxification from drugs and alcohol, diagnosis, a body-mind-spirit treatment approach, introduction to healthy coping skills, family and 12-step peer support. We strive to address every aspect of drug abuse, as well as a potential for a healthy, happy and productive future for each person in treatment. Addiction among college-aged adults is a recipe for disaster. Call Lakeview Health now for a confidential conversation at 866.704.7692 before the opportunity to reclaim your highest potential is lost.
