Addiction is an issue for all age groups, but it is especially problematic for college students.
Many college students are living in dorms and getting their first experience away from home. The freedom could be dangerous for those with addictive personalities.
Additionally, the stress of schoolwork may be too much. Students may turn to drugs and alcohol to relieve stress, or they may use stimulants to maintain focus and stay awake for all night studies.
And let’s not forget about all the parties that happen on campus. When there’s fun to be had every night of the week, drugs and alcohol are hard to resist.
So exactly what are the common drugs used by college students? Read on to find out and to learn how to help someone who is struggling with addiction.
What Are the Common Drugs Used by College Students?
The most common drugs used by college students are as follows:
Alcohol: Alcohol is the drug most used by college students. It is often served at parties but students that use it may begin to drink in other situations and form an addiction. Binge drinking is also common among college students. This involves drinking large quantities of booze quickly. While binge drinking is not necessarily a sign of addition, it can be very dangerous.
Marijuana: Marijuana is a close second to alcohol when it comes to drugs college students commonly use. Although it is not as dangerous as some other drugs, it is still addictive. It can also lead to impaired driving, poor decisions and slacking off on schoolwork.
Prescription Stimulants (Adderall): Prescription stimulants like Adderall are often used to increase focus and help students stay up for all night studies. These drugs are prescribed for narcolepsy and ADHD, and they can be very dangerous when misused. They are also addictive.
How To Tell if a College Student Is Struggling With Addiction
When someone becomes addicted to drugs, they will exhibit a variety of unusual behavioral, mental and physical symptoms. Here are a few to look out for.
- Mood swings
- Lack of self-care
- Failing grades
- Troubled relationships
- Health issues
- Legal and financial difficulties
- Losing interest in the things they cared about
- Needing to take more of the drug to get the same effects
- Withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not in their system
- Hanging out with a new crowd
How To Get Someone Help With Addiction
If you suspect someone close to you is struggling with addiction, it’s important to get them the help they need. The problem is, many of them don’t truly want to get better.
It’s advisable to talk to them in a caring manner and not to be judgmental. If you have tried to talk to your loved one several times about getting help and they are unwilling to do so, an intervention may be necessary.
Once you get your loved ones to a place where they are ready to recover, you will need to choose a rehab facility that’s right for them. My Recovery Source is recommended.
My Recovery Source takes patients in for detox ensuring that harmful toxins are eliminated from their bodies. They follow up with a personalized therapy that gets to the root of addiction and provides healthy coping mechanisms that replace the urge to use. Treatments can be administered in an inpatient or outpatient setting.
Once patients complete the program, they are provided up with follow-up care ensuring they make a smooth transition to sober living.
Addiction is not easy to deal with. If you or a loved one needs help, reach out to My Recovery Source today. Then look forward to living the high-quality life you deserve.
