Rabia Kanwal
Do you know that 50% of college students in the United States of America binge drink or take substances at least once a month? Over 0.2 million people have been found abusing substances for the first time at the age of 12 or older. Every day, more than 90 persons in the United States die after overdosing on opioids drug. An upsurge has been witnessed in the consumption of marijuana, prescription drugs, and illegal substance abuse among college students over the past decade. Here you can learn why college students abuse substances, how it affects them, and what possible treatments are available.
What is Substance Abuse?
The excessive and illegal use of over-the-counter drugs, illicit drugs, or alcohol can be termed as substance abuse. Substance abuse may lead to many physical, psychological, emotional, and mental health problems. The commonly abused substances among college students are marijuana, cocaine, painkillers, and dextroamphetamine among others. Dextroamphetamine, also known as study drugs, is very popular on college campuses as it helps students to stay awake for studying. However, the excessive use of this medication can lead to addiction. Similarly, painkiller or opioid abuse is also very common on campuses and is a prime cause of sudden death and injuries among people.
What is Substance Use Disorder (SUD)?
Substance use disorder is a mental health problem that negatively influences a person’s behavior and mental capacity to control the use of substances. A person experiencing SUD is unable to limit the use of illegal substances even though knowing and experiencing its severe effects on health. Fortunately, this disorder is treatable and if not treated timely, it becomes an addiction.
Why Do College Students Abuse Drugs and Alcohol?
There are various factors that trigger substance abuse among college students such as stress related to their academic performance, family concerns, social life, and financial problems among others. We have discussed here the prime factors that encourage a student to use drugs.
Stress
Stress is the foremost factor leading students to substance abuse. Our students are more likely to smoke, binge drink, or abuse substances for some relaxation or diversion while feeling stressed and depressed. The educational expenses and financial burdens on students also trigger stress. It is pertinent to mention that SolutionInn and some other education support service providers are working on the provision of discounted and free textbooks to students with the aim to reduce their education expenses.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety or social phobia is a persistent fear of being observed and judged by the people in your surroundings. This anxiety may lead to poor academic performance, personal life, work life, and routine activities. People with social anxiety disorder are more likely to use illegal drugs and alcohol to feel relaxed.
Family History
If someone in your family or friends abuses substances, you are more likely to practice the same. Anyone with a close relationship with an alcohol addict or substance misuser is at increased risk of drug addiction.
Peer Pressure
There is no secret that many students start smoking and drug use to peer pressure. The unsupervised teen parties are where youngsters openly binge drink and use drugs and induce others as well.
Accessibility of Drugs on College Campuses
It is noticed that college students are more likely to use drugs because of the easy accessibility of substances on college campuses, as compared to those who do not attend college.
How Does Substance Abuse Affect College Students?
The US campuses have observed an increased substance abuse among college students and a decline in their performance and well-being as a result. The illegal and excessive use of substances negatively affects students’ academic and personal life. Students who regularly abuse substances are more likely to show unsatisfactory performance in academics scoring low GPAs, giving less time and focus to their studies, attending fewer classes, and failing to get their degrees. They are also likely to be unemployed after graduation. Substance abuse does not only reduce students’ academic performance but also increases their likelihood of experiencing or committing sexual abuse.
Substance abuse among college students is also associated with physical, mental, and emotional health problems. The risks associated with substance abuse may vary with the type of drug. For instance, those who are engaged in binge drinking are at higher risk of increased blood alcohol levels. Overall, drugs can affect almost every organ in the human body. Students with substance use disorder are more likely to experience:
a) A weak immune system with a higher risk of getting infected and sick
b) Unusual heartbeat rates, collapsed veins, infected blood vessels, and a heart attack in severe cases
c) Nausea and stomach ache
d) Changes in appetite and weight loss
e) Increased chances of liver damage because of increased strain on the liver
f) Brain damage, weak memory, weak decision-making, and poor concentration
g) Lung disease
h) Increased body temperature leading to other health problems
How to Prevent Substance Abuse Among College Students?
There is not just one guaranteed way to prevent substance abuse especially if you have developed an addiction. You definitely need proper treatment from rehabilitation in your nearby. However, if a student wants to stay protected, here are some of the most effective ways to prevent substance abuse.
Avoid Peer Pressure
You should be very careful and choosy about making friends and developing relationships with people in your surroundings. Avoid building relationships with someone who encourages you to use substances for any reason. Train yourself to say ‘No’ to someone inviting you for smoking or substance use.
See Healthcare Providers to Combat Stress or Related Problems
Substance abuse and smoking are not the way to deal with stress, depression, or anxiety. If you think that you are persistently feeling down, set up an appointment with your health care provider as you need proper treatment. Underestimating the psychological problems caused by any factor can lead to severe health problems. So, take help from experts rather than using drugs to feel relaxed for time being.
Live a Balanced and Healthy Life
When you enter high school, you feel empowered and enthusiastic to practice recreational activities with your fellows. Independence combined with bad company may lead you to smoke, binge drink, and substance abuse. You need to create a balance in dividing your attention and time between your studies and recreational activities. Neither let the study stress overwhelm your leisure time nor ignore your studies devoting your attention to fun activities. Also, pay attention to your diet and physical activities to stay active and strong. Make time out for your family and friends as it is necessary to live a balanced and healthy life.
Hope this would be helpful in learning about substance abuse among college students and its prevention. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to stay connected and keep learning about student support, self-development, and career guide.
