Substance Use/Abuse

College can be a time of experimentation.  We experiment with our identities, our majors, social connections, and substances such as drugs, alcohol, caffeine, etc. We also experiment with food, eating habits, and activity. It is often easy to get lost in the experimentation and lose sight of who we are, what we want, and how to get there. This section is going to focus on Use and Abuse of substances and even activities.  We will share information on addiction, the vulnerability of college students to use/abuse substances, and ways we may got lost in an activity that feels good at the time, and yet keeps us from accomplishing our goals or living our values. 

Commonly Abused Substances by College Students

Alcohol                            Marijuana                            Prescription medications such as stimulants and opiates           

Ecstasy                           Heroin                                 Cocaine 

Study Drugs                    Over the counter medications

Study Drugs 

Below information was adapted from northeastern.edu and healthyhorns.utexas.edu.  

Study drugs are prescription medications typically prescribed for ADHD that college students use improperly or illegally to stay focused and study through the night. They are becoming increasingly popular as students have more and more to fit into their already busy schedules and these drugs give them the stamina to pull the all-nighter for studying or cramming information.  Though this result is seen as positive for students, the actual consequences are much more severe. Side effects from study drugs include extreme anxiety and/or depression, sleep disorders, psychosis, jitters, headaches, nervousness, irregular heartbeat, paranoia, dizziness, impotence and many more. 

Many college students find these drugs easy to justify since they are not taking them to get “high” they are taking them to help them accomplish more and get better grades.  Again, because of this "justification" students may be less able to identify a problem or even think that the side effects they are experiencing are from the use of the substance.  They may just chalk it up to stress and take more of the drug. 

What's the Big Deal

For many people/students, substance use/abuse may not be an issue.  It truly is experimentation and doesn't cause prolonged negative side effects.  Lets look at some statistics. The following info-graphics were taken from drugabuse.gov.

                                                                                                                                                   

Some things to consider:  Among college students substance use/abuse is a concern with a distinct increase in cocaine and marijuana use.  There is also a higher rate of binge drinking and intoxication in college students than individuals not attending college. Use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes is lower in college students, while hookah use is about the same. So what's the big deal? When we are compromised (high/intoxicated), there are more opportunities for negative consequences, both short and long term. 

I Don't Have a Problem

No one sets out to have a "problem" with a substance.  It basically starts with experimenting, curiosity, wanting to be a part of the group, wanting to numb out, relax, etc.  No one ever wakes up one day and says, "Today I'm becoming an addict." The fact remains that people still become addicted or abuse substances regularly and that has some negative consequences, not only on the person abusing the substance, but those around them.   It can have a significant impact on physical and mental health.  Substance abuse can destroy relationships, careers, and finances as well.  According to the National Institute of Health, drug addiction causes more deaths than any other preventable problem.  (adapted from dualdiagnosis.org) 

Do I Have a Problem?

It is possible to use substances without getting or being addicted.  If we define abuse as overusing, it is possible to use a substance without abusing it (remember however, any illegal substance or substance you obtain illegally, can automatically identify you as an abuser of a substance, because you are not supposed to use it). 

What does "having a problem" mean?  We are all different and so what may be a problem for one individual may not be a problem for another.  There are some pretty definitive ways to help you identify if you have a problem or not.