Young Adults and Addiction

It's time for college kids to head back to school after a restful break. Along with clean laundry and care packages of home cooked foods, many students harbor the emotional baggage of a painful secret - their drinking and drug use on campus is out of control. 

the truth about college drug & alcohol abuse  

Alcohol is the substance with the highest amount of abuse. According to the National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism, 80% of college students drink, and 75% of them are under the legal drinking age of 21. Among them, 50% engage in binge drinking, which is drinking for the express purpose of getting drunk. Another alarming fact noted is that 75% of these young adults were already  set in their ways in regard to alcohol and drug use when they were teens!

Study drugs, marijuana, steroids, anti-depressants, and anti anxiety medications top the list of drugs abused in college. Other drugs, such as cocaine and hallucinogens, are also widely consumed. All of these drugs are easy for students to get, and even encouraged at times by older adults in their lives. Drugs can be found on campus or off-campus. According to Addiction Resource, a survey by the Washington Examiner shows that “49% of students surveyed say they actually bought drugs in their dorm room”.

the college experience, redefined

There’s a powerful narrative floating around many campuses that drinking and drug use are just standard-issue parts of college life. A survey of 400 college administrators by CASA found that most deans, presidents, and alumni treat substance use not only as normal, but as a kind of unofficial rite of passage. Sometimes, adults even contribute to the problem: a coach might supply steroids to boost team stats, or a parent encourages medication to keep their child calm and high-achieving. Rather than nurturing resilience and real coping skills, this only reinforces the urge to self-medicate away normal feelings of anxiety. Peer Pressure: More Than a Buzzword Peer pressure is a powerful factor in the world of college students. Fraternities, parties, and even casual group hangouts often center around alcohol or drugs. For students just trying to find their footing, this kind of atmosphere can be overwhelming. And sometimes, circumstances can spiral so badly that students trade sex for substances just to keep up or because money is tight. Looking for ways to keep yourself—or your loved one—in a positive lane?

Addiction Resource shares these practical strategies for college students hoping to steer clear of substance use:

• Avoid parties that focus on drinking and drug use.
• Get involved in volunteering, academic clubs, or other activities that will help you to stay sober.
• If you must attend a party, leave early before things get out of hand.
• Fight stress with exercise and meditation and learn healthy coping skills.
• Take care of yourself by eating healthy and getting plenty of sleep.
• Secure a place to live where you can be safe and free from those who use.
• Find friends who have similar values and are committed to sober living.
• Go to your college counseling center and ask for help or call us!

If young adults find themselves in a situation where substance abuse might become a problem, it is important to encourge them to seek counseling. Drug and alcohol abuse can wreak havoc on our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, not to mention their potential for legal ramifications.

We are here to help! Find a Lifeologie addiction and substance abuse specialist near you who can help you build a sobriety plan that works!