College Students & Addiction

How to Help Students Overcome Drug and Alcohol Use

Though trends and motivations are ever-changing, substance use among college students is a widespread and persistent issue. The college environment presents stressors that encourage drug and alcohol experimentation. Over 40–50% of students who did not drink in high school begin drinking their first year of college,¹and the highest prevalence of drug use occurs in individuals ages 18 to 24.²

Despite the high rate of substance use compared to other age groups, young adults remain the least likely to seek treatment. ³Colleges and universities may lack resources for students seeking help or guidance. Moreover, students are often unaware of the support options available to them. The consequences of unchecked usage are potentially devastating and long-lasting, ranging from low academic performance to future challenges in the job market.

College substance use is a complex issue that cannot be understated or ignored. By the time most students graduate, they have stopped their substance use, suggesting that college itself plays a vital role. According to recent data, underage drinking decreased as campuses closed their doors for the Covid-19 pandemic, ⁴further solidifying the notion that college life facilitates alcohol and drug consumption.

As the popularity of different types of drinks and drugs fluctuates, educators must remain vigilant and proactive. By using technologies such as mobile apps and interactive websites, school administrators and other support systems can spread essential information to lessen the chance of substance abuse.

ARTICLE CONTENTS

Statistics On Drug Use Among College Students

Why Do College Students Turn To Drugs And Alcohol?

The Use Of Study Drugs Among College Students

Alcohol Consumption And Binge Drinking In College

How To Prevent Excessive Drinking

Immediate Consequences Of Drinking

Marijuana And Vaping

The Impact Of Greek Life On Alcohol And Drug Use

The Long-Term Effects Of Alcohol And Drug Use On College Students

How To Overcome Alcohol Or Drug Arrests When Looking For Jobs

Addiction Treatment For College Students

How Schools Help College Students With Addiction Problems

Statistics On Drug Use Among College Students

The NIDA's Reports on College Substance Abuse

“So the highest prevalence rates of drug use…occurs in individuals that are 18 to 24 years of age and, interestingly, we’re seeing that for some of the drugs the rates are even higher among those that are in college than those that are not. [This], in fact in a way, reflects also group dynamics that facilitate drug utilization and normative attitudes towards drug taking and expectation. So that increases the likelihood that your person in college would take drugs.”

—Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

The best way to understand college student drug use is to compare it to graduates and non-college persons of similar age.

Some of the most notable statistics include that:

Undergraduates have a significantly higher rate of binge drinking and marijuana use.⁵
Prescription stimulants are more often abused by college students.
In a survey conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 59.9% of undergraduates reported drinking alcohol within the past month compared to 50.2% of non-college peers.⁶

College-bound high school students have also reported drinking less than their non-college-bound peers. This report indicates that the college lifestyle facilitates or pushes students to start drinking.

Current Trends In College Substance Use

Alcohol continues to reign supreme, with 75% of students reporting past-year use. Around 40.3% of college women reported being drunk in the last month, compared to 35.5% of college men.⁷
Daily marijuana use among 19 to 22-year-olds is the highest it has been since the 1980s. Almost 5% of college students used marijuana daily or near-daily, and 40% of young adults used marijuana at least once in the past 12 months.⁸
The popularity of vaping is rising, reaching an all-time high in 2019. The 30-day prevalence increased from 5.2% in 2017 to 14% in 2019.⁸
Over the past 10 years, illicit drug use among students in higher education has gradually increased.⁹

Why Do College Students Turn to Drugs and Alcohol?

Substances that College Students Abuse

As college-bound students leave the nest, they find themselves with fewer restrictions and a taste of freedom. Without parental interference and outside control over their decisions, college students are more likely to fulfill curiosities and follow peer influence.

According to students, the primary reasons that college campuses encourage drug experimentation are:

Ease of drug availability
Lack of parental influence
Normalization of drug use among peers
Low perceived risk of harm from drug use

Freshmen are particularly vulnerable to heavy drinking and alcohol-related consequences during their first six weeks.¹⁰ First-year students more often attend dormitory and fraternity events where substances are available. Compared to older students, first-years are more likely to participate in drinking games with high-volume alcohol consumption. College life presents a multitude of academic and social stressors that push students to their limits. Substances can be used as a coping method to deal with overwhelming circumstances.

Anxiety and Depression

Along with other mental conditions, major depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are both associated with binge drinking. Experts in the field theorize that substance use is a means of self-medicating. Co-occurring substance abuse and mental conditions can create a vicious cycle where the substance worsens the psychiatric disorder, leading to more substance abuse to cope.

Body Image

Young adults often feel pressure to look a certain way due to social media and ads. To obtain the “ideal” body image, they may engage in unhealthy weight control behaviors, including substance use. Adderall and other stimulants reduce appetite, leading some to use it as a weight-loss supplement. In 2003, a National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) study found that 50% of people with an eating disorder also misuse alcohol and illicit substances. ¹¹ Up to 35% of alcohol or illicit drug abusers have a co-occurring eating disorder.12

Peer Influence

Upon entering college, students are surrounded by new and unfamiliar people and a desire to fit in. As a result, college students are exceptionally vulnerable to peer pressure and influence. Many engage in substance use to open up and become more comfortable in social interactions. In some circles, heavy drinking is seen as a rite of passage and an avenue for gaining peer approval. One study found that male college students randomly assigned a roommate who binge drank in high school were most likely to engage in binge drinking during college.¹

Academic Pressure

The pressure to perform academically can be overwhelming for college students, especially when academic achievement has a long-term effect on career trajectory and success in life. College students may be tempted to use substances to stay focused and engaged for long hours of studying. Alcohol and drugs are also used to cope with academic failures, such as an inability to complete assignments or performing poorly on a test.

The Use of Study Drugs Among College Students

In individuals with ADHD, prescription stimulants heighten alertness by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain.¹³ Due to the perceived cognitive benefits, some students utilize ADHD medications as study supplements.

Popular prescription stimulants include:

Adderall (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine combination)
Ritalin and Concerta (methylphenidate)
Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)

Students between ages 18 to 24 have the highest risk of abusing prescription drugs. A study of 1,811 undergraduates found that 34% of respondents used ADHD stimulants illegally, often during times of high academic stress to reduce fatigue and promote reading comprehension, cognition, and memory.¹⁴

While stimulants may help students stay awake for study nights, studies show that they do not effectively enhance performance. Rather than boosting students’ capabilities, stimulants merely give students the perception that they’re doing better.

More often than not, the non-medical use of prescription drugs leads to academic disengagement. Students that partake have lower grade point averages and end up spending less time studying and more time skipping classes.

How Do College Students Obtain Study Drugs?

Regardless of the risks, most students do not view study drugs as dangerous or illegal, even if they do not have a valid prescription. They assume prescription drugs are safe because they are FDA-approved. Prescription stimulants are most commonly obtained by students that have a prescription. A national study of over 10,000 college students found that over half of students with a valid ADHD drug prescription were petitioned by peers and friends.¹⁵

How Do Study Drugs Lead to Other Stimulants?

Contrary to popular belief, prescription stimulants are addictive and can lead to substance use disorders (SUDs).Moreover, individuals can build up a tolerance from long-term, continuous use. Increased tolerance levels drive students to take larger amounts, and a significant percentage end up developing drug dependence problems.

In some cases, prescription stimulants act as a gateway drug to more dangerous substances, such as methamphetamine and cocaine. Non-medical use of prescription medication is also associated with binge drinking, ecstasy, and marijuana.¹

Alcohol Consumption and Binge Drinking In College

The national drinking age is 21, and alcohol is the most widely used substance on college campuses by far. Heavy drinking is considered normal, with a high percentage of students endorsing episodic or binge drinking. A 2002 study found that 31% of college students meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder (AUD)¹⁶

College students are also at higher risk for binge drinking compared to non-college adults. In 2019, 33% of college students reported binge drinking compared to 22% of same-age, non-college adults.¹⁷

How Much is Too Much?

A standard drink contains 0.6 fl oz or 14 grams of pure alcohol. To accurately gauge alcohol intake, it is essential to take alcohol content into account. Distilled spirits contain higher concentrations of alcohol (~40%) compared to wine (~12%) and beer (~5%).¹⁰

Moderate drinking limits daily intake to 2 drinks or less for men and 1 drink or less for women. Types of excessive drinking include heavy drinking and binge drinking.

How Alcohol Abuse Affects College Students

How To Prevent
Excessive Drinking

Monitor Alcohol Intake

The best way to prevent excessive drinking, particularly binge drinking, is to set limits and track the number of drinks consumed. Awareness of how much is too much and drawing a distinctive line combats excessive drinking.

Environmental Change

Another effective strategy is to avoid environments that facilitate alcohol consumption, such as bars, clubs, and fraternity parties. Staying away from places where alcohol is readily available is the best way to avoid drinking altogether. Students living in substance-free housing have lower rates of alcohol and drug use.

Alternative Strategies

Active party scenes are one source of excessive drinking. Students who use drinking as a means to cope are more likely to drink excessively, so finding other methods for dealing with emotional turmoil can prevent excessive consumption.

Support Regulation

According to the CDC, there is less binge drinking in states with stronger alcohol policies and regulations. Supporting preventative measures is a small but easy way for people to help prevent excessive drinking on a larger scale.¹⁸

Immediate Consequences of Drinking

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Even small amounts of alcohol can directly impair brain function judgment, reasoning, and muscle coordination.¹⁹ Students who drive while intoxicated put themselves, their passengers, and other drivers at enormous risk. In 2005, 1,357 out of 1,825 alcohol-related deaths among college students were due to drinking and driving.²⁰

According to NIAAA, an estimated 1,519 college students ages 18-24 die every year from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, which include motor vehicle crashes.²¹Students who binge drink are 3.5 times more likely to experience violence than students who do not binge drink.

Rape and Dating Violence

Excessive drinking proves dangerous for perpetrators and victims alike. Intoxication clouds judgment and loosens inhibitions while also creating vulnerability. Women who engage in heavy alcohol use are at greater risk for sexual assault, most of which involve incapacitation from drug use.²²

Moreover, heavy episodic drinking is the strongest predictor of all forms of rape.²² A study on college sexual aggression found that 68% of female victims said their male assailants had been drinking when they were attacked.²³ NIAAA estimates that every year 97,000 students ages 18–24 experience alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape.

Students who binge drink are also more likely to have unplanned sex, and alcohol consumption is a strong indicator of dating violence. Relationships in which either partner drinks are twice as likely to involve dating violence.²⁴

Alcohol Poisoning

Binge drinking is a high-risk behavior with immediate, short-term health risks. The body struggles to process high amounts of alcohol consumed in a short period, leading to toxic Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels. As a result, critical areas of the brain can shut down, including those that control breathing, heart rate, and body temperature. Alcohol poisoning requires immediate medical attention and can be fatal. Every day an average of six people in the U.S. die from alcohol poisoning.¹⁸

Other Popular Substances Used By College Students

What are Party Drugs?

Party drugs typically refer to recreational substances offered at parties to enhance pleasure. Also known as club drugs, these psychoactive drugs cause changes in mood, awareness, and behavior through the central nervous system. Sexual predators use certain types of party drugs called date rape drugs to make targets more susceptible to sexual assault and rape.²⁵

There are three types of party drugs:

Depressants (i.e. GHB) slow the nervous system, decreasing reaction time.
Stimulants (i.e. cocaine, amphetamines, meth) create excitable feelings associated with arousal and being unafraid.
Hallucinogens (i.e. ecstasy, acid) impact judgment and inhibit control.

The Consequences of Using Party Drugs

Many party drugs are illegal and unregulated. Consumers are often unaware of a drug’s strength or contents, making consumption especially dangerous. Party drug use is also strongly associated with a lack of judgment and risk-taking behavior. Many are highly addictive, leading to lifelong struggles with substance abuse.²⁶

Party drugs can be especially potent when combined with alcohol, resulting in severe health complications or even death.

Marijuana and Vaping

“Many young people may view vaping and cannabis use as ‘safer’, but the reality is that nicotine is highly addictive, and cannabis can also be addictive, particularly in younger adults for whom the brain is still developing.”

—Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Despite being illegal on college campuses, rates of marijuana use have increased dramatically in the past decade. Marijuana is the second most used substance on college campuses after alcohol. Among young people in particular, vaping and other electronic drug delivery systems for cannabis and nicotine have also risen in popularity.

Opioids

Opioids are drugs typically prescribed by doctors for pain relief. However, the additional euphoric effects make them enticing for recreational purposes. Even when used correctly, opioid use can lead to dependence, addiction, and overdose. ²⁷

According to the Health Resources & Services Administration, the nation is in the midst of an opioid epidemic, though usage rates among college students have declined. ²⁸

Common opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, fentanyl, and heroin. In 2019, over 70% of drug overdose deaths involved opioids.²⁹

Diet Pills

Appetite suppressants, laxatives, and diuretics are particularly popular amongst college athletes seeking to maintain specific weights. A high percentage of female gymnasts utilize extreme weight loss methods, and nearly 11% of female athletes use non-prescription diet drugs, such as Dexatrim and Acutrim.²³

The Impact of Greek Life On Alcohol and Drug Use

Greek involvement is connected to increased participation in binge drinking and non-medical prescription stimulants. Compared to students who are not in the Greek system, fraternity and sorority students consume non-prescription stimulants and pain medications, cannabis, hallucinogens, and other drugs at higher rates. Substance use often declines once students leave the Greek system.¹

Accessibility and Culture

Fraternities and sororities commonly use drugs and alcohol during social activities and gatherings. Prevalent party culture and lax view of substance usage lead to higher rates of drug use and abuse.

Drug Sales

In some cases, members of Greek life are deeply entrenched in drug sales. Federal and state investigations of illegal drug distribution have uncovered extensive fraternity operations all over the country.

In 2020, the University of North Carolina (UNC) chapters of Phi Gamma Delta, Kappa Sigma, and Beta Theta Pi funneled over a thousand pounds of marijuana and several kilograms of cocaine into campuses, exceeding 1.5 million dollars in profits.³⁰

“No one is above the law, including college students and fraternity members at elite universities. This serious drug trafficking is destructive and reckless, and many lives have been ruined.”

—U.S. Attorney Matthew Martin

Similarly, a 2008 undercover operation at San Diego State University (SDSU) revealed an organized drug dealing hierarchy at several fraternity houses. Approximately 75 SDSU students were arrested and charged with various drug-related offenses ranging from marijuana possession to cocaine sales.³¹

The Long-Term Effects of Alcohol and Drug Use on College Students

For college students, the consequences of alcohol and drug use can range from poor academic performance to increased injury and death rates. Frequency and degree of use correlate to increased negative consequences. A high percentage of college students who self-report illicit drug use also report at least one negative impact throughout their lifetime and in the past year.³²

Health Effects

Extended or frequent drug use can result in numerous long-term health consequences in the body, including heart or lung disease and cancer.³³

Though effects differ depending on the type of drug, there is no such thing as a safe amount. Drug dependency and addiction can adversely affect physical and psychological health.

Specific examples of health consequences include that:

Frequent binge drinking can damage the liver and other organs.
Methamphetamine can cause severe dental issues.
Inhalants can damage or destroy nerve cells in the brain or peripheral nervous system.
Drug use increases the risk of contracting infections.³⁴

Continuous drug use can also result in psychosis, erratic behavior, and a higher risk of mental illness.³⁵ In the U.S., one in four deaths attributed to alcohol, tobacco, and illicit or prescription drug use.³⁶

Educational Effects

Studies show that drug use often correlates with poor academic performance, leading to gaps in enrollment, prolonged graduation times, and even failure to graduate.

Specific examples of educational consequences include that:

Binge drinkers have less favorable job prospects and are more likely to drop out of college.
About 1 in 4 college students report academic consequences from drinking, including missing class, falling behind, performing poorly on exams or papers, and receiving lower overall grades. ³⁷
Students who use cannabis more than five times a year are more likely to miss class and experience problems concentrating.
Students who misuse pain medications are more likely to have a lower grade point average.

Legal Effects

In addition to possession charges, college students are susceptible to legal consequences for selling and sharing substances. For instance, students with ADHD prescriptions are often solicited even though distributing a Schedule II drug is punishable with five years in prison.¹⁵

Employment Effects

College is the time for students to prepare for future career success. Drug use can disrupt such plans by harming performance and motivation factors. Drug-related arrests also stay on record forever and may deter prospective employers. Drug use that continues after graduation can often result in decreased productivity and negatively affect job performance.³⁸

How to Overcome Alcohol or Drug Arrests When Looking for Jobs

Individuals arrested for drug-related offenses often face difficulties in the job market. Potential employers can be distrustful of people with a criminal past and may conduct a background check if states allow. Civil Act of 1964 prevents employers from legally discriminating based on prior arrests, but job prospects may still be hindered.

Nevertheless, there are ways to push past the stigma and increase the chances of securing a job. Many employers will still hire individuals with an arrest record if they are qualified and do not pose a threat to the business.

Honesty and Integrity

No matter the industry, hiring managers always value employees who are trustworthy and well-intentioned. Job seekers with a criminal background should be forthright and open. Attempts at hiding grievances are likely to backfire. Employers often appreciate prospective employees who acknowledge their mistakes and learn from them.

Honing Skills

Employers look for skilled individuals who bring in-depth knowledge to the table. Taking specialized courses for the relevant field and showing a desire to grow can go a long way in convincing hiring managers to take a chance.

Volunteer Work

Volunteering in the community shows potential employers a reformed outlook. Volunteer work can also demonstrate a desirable work ethic and a willingness to persevere.

Record keeping

Some individuals may feel like they are using substances moderately when in actuality they use a high amount. It is helpful to track intake in a diary, journal, or phone app. Many people are shocked once they have definitive statistics regarding their substance use. Sometimes reduction is as easy as realizing the extent of the problem.

Accountability

Students prone to excessive drug use can take preventative measures by making themselves accountable. This includes self-accountability and outside support. Friends and family who discourage drug use are an excellent barrier and preventative tool. Students who need additional accountability can ask a friend to look out for them at parties and limit their usage.

Harm Reduction

Abrupt and sudden changes can be difficult for the mind and body to process. In such cases, a harm reduction model can be beneficial over quitting “cold turkey.” With a harm reduction strategy, it is essential to lay out clear guidelines for reducing drug use, including expectations and goals.

Hobbies and Passions

Studies show that substance use often correlates with the amount of leisure time students have. Students are more likely to turn to drugs if they do not fill their free time with fulfilling activities. Participating in hobbies, social clubs, and other passions serves as a protective factor against drug use. College campuses and administrators can help by providing and promoting substance-free activities.

Healthy Living

When substances are used to cope with an unsatisfactory life element, the best approach is to improve those lacking aspects. Addressing the underlying cause of substance use is the best way to prevent it. There are alternative ways to combat and deal with stress, such as yoga and mindfulness techniques.

Professional Guidance

When self-help is not enough, students may wish to seek out external support systems, such as rehab or therapy. Professionals can provide students with valuable insight and tools for reducing substance use and maintaining recovery.

Addiction Treatment for College Students

College students currently attending school may not wish to disrupt their academics with in-patient programs. Fortunately, there are valid alternatives that allow students to address their drug use while continuing their education.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)

IOPs establish psychosocial support systems and provide strategies for coping and preventing relapse. For most individuals, they are as effective as in-patient treatment.³⁹ In addition to individual counseling, many IOPs offer group activities and support groups.

Such programs are best suited for patients who:

Have already gone through acute stages of withdrawal.
Do not require constant monitoring
Suffered a mild or moderate addiction and do not require inpatient treatment.
Are looking for ongoing support systems.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)

PHPs allow patients to live off-site and choose their living accommodations. Such programs are typically utilized by patients who have completed treatment and are transitioning back to a normal routine. Compared to IOPs, PHPs are more intensive and require a greater time investment.

Such programs are best suited for patients who:

Have a higher chance of relapsing.
Suffered a severe episode of addiction or overdose.
Are undergoing withdrawalsymptoms.
Need further detoxification services.

On-Campus Relapse Prevention

Many colleges and universities are aware of the struggles faced by college students with drug use and addiction. Student health services often offer integrated support for prevention, treatment, and recovery.

How Schools Help College Students with Addiction Problems

There are more than 130 collegiate recovery programs in the United States, specifically designed to help students in recovery move past their addictions and thrive.

Texas Tech

Students in recovery can seek support from the Center for Collegiate Recovery Communities (CCRC) at Texas Tech University. They offer specialized recovery and academic support to help students continue their personal and professional growth.

University of Texas

University of Texas locations offer a variety of recovery programs and support systems.

UT Arlington – The Health Promotion Department, ATOD Intervention Services
UT Austin – Center for students in Recovery
UT Dallas – Center for Students in Recovery
UT El Paso – Collegiate Recovery Program
UT Rio Grande Valley – Collegiate Recovery Program
UT San Antonio – The Center for Collegiate Recovery
UT Tyler – Center for Students in Recovery

West Texas A&M University (WTAMU)

Students at WTAMU can seek support through the Student Counseling Services Center and the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program.

University of New Mexico (UNM)

UNM provides a plethora of support for students in recovery via the Campus Office of Substance Abuse Prevention.

University of Oklahoma

Students at the University of Oklahoma have access to the Comprehensive Alcohol & Other Drug Program alongside on-campus and off-campus recovery services. Students in Recovery (S.I.R.) is an on-campus support group formed by students to help create a safe and sober environment for recovery.