College Substance Abuse: Prevention, Recovery Strategies, & Campus Help

As college students head back to campus after a (hopefully) restorative break, they return with more than clean laundry and care packages from home. Many are also carrying something far heavier: the quiet stress of realizing their drinking or drug use on campus feels out of control.

This isn’t always obvious from the outside. Students may still be attending class, earning decent grades, and staying socially connected—yet privately struggling with substance use that has begun to interfere with their mental health, relationships, and sense of self. For parents and caregivers, this reality can be both heartbreaking and confusing. For students, it can feel isolating and shame-filled.

The truth about college alcohol and drug use

Alcohol remains the most commonly misused substance among college students. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, nearly 80% of college students drink, and a significant portion engage in binge drinking—defined as drinking with the goal of becoming intoxicated. Research also shows that many patterns of alcohol and drug use begin well before college, often taking shape during the teenage years.

Beyond alcohol, substances such as prescription “study drugs,” marijuana, steroids, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications are frequently misused on campuses. These substances are often easy to access—sometimes even in dorm rooms—and their availability can create a false sense of safety. When drug use feels normalized or subtly encouraged, students may underestimate the emotional and physical risks involved.

redefining the college experience

There’s a long-standing narrative that alcohol and drug use are simply part of the college experience—a rite of passage rather than a warning sign. In some cases, well-meaning adults unintentionally reinforce this belief by prioritizing performance, achievement, or stress reduction over emotional coping skills. Instead of learning how to manage anxiety, pressure, and identity shifts, students may turn to substances to self-soothe.

Peer pressure also plays a powerful role. Social events, group bonding, and even casual hangouts often revolve around drinking or drug use, making it difficult for students to opt out without feeling excluded. Over time, this pressure can push students further away from their values, boundaries, and wellbeing.

Wondering how to recognize the signs of problematic substance use, or how to support yourself or someone you love in navigating college life safely? Understanding what’s really happening beneath the surface is the first step toward healthier choices and meaningful support.