What You & Your Young Adult Need to Know About Campus Life

Going away to college can be both exciting and a little scary. For many young adults, it may be the first time they will be away from home for an extended period of time. This means that they will need to learn how to live independently, and to accept both the benefits and responsibilities of this life stage.

Many students go to college full-time within a year or two after high school, which means that they are about 18-20 years old. But, ironically, the standard college ages – that is 18 to 22 – overlap with the legal drinking age. Combined with peer pressure and a desire to “fit in”, this can lead to a number of problems. But alcohol is not the only substance that is popular on college campuses. Because of the many potential direct and indirect consequences of substance use in this environment, it may be helpful to have a conversation with your young adult before they start unpacking in the dorm.

What substances are frequently abused on college campuses?

In terms of what substances are available to students, college campuses are microcosms of the real world; chances are that the student will be able to find any type of substance if they really want it. In addition to alcohol, which many college students report is easy to acquire from other students or at parties, marijuana is popular on college campuses. Many students perceive marijuana to be less dangerous and less socially stigmatized than other illicit substances, so they are less hesitant to try it. “Uppers” (drugs that stimulate the central nervous system) seem to be popular among students who may want to increase the length of the party. Compared to alcohol and marijuana, a smaller percentage of students may abuse methamphetamines, which are reported to increase focus and enhance self-confidence (despite numerous negative consequences). Still others try cocaine.

Who abuses substances?

Research indicates that 86% and 80% of students who live in fraternity or sorority housing, respectively, engage in binge drinking. Males seem to be more likely than females to binge drink, but many females certainly do as well. Also, if the student had a drinking problem in high school, the problem is more than likely to continue or become worse during college. Underage drinkers (including those on and off campus) who are above driving age may consume alcohol in their car as well, which increases the chances of drunk driving. (For more information on where underage drinkers consume alcohol, read our article Underage Drinking: Who and Where.) A major problem is that the majority of binge drinkers (defined as 4 drinks in a row for females, and 5 drinks in a row for males) often do not perceive themselves to be drinking excessively; if they cannot recognize the problem, they can’t fix it either.

Second to alcohol, marijuana has become popular on college campuses, perhaps because of its ability to create feelings of euphoria, laughter, and relaxation in the user. In the case of methamphetamines, students may begin to abuse this substance if they feel pressure to perform or have problems focusing. Some students may consume ecstasy, a popular club drug, at fraternity or other parties.

What are the risks and consequences of using substances during college?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, binge drinkers are 8 times more likely to injure themselves, be absent from classes, have their coursework suffer, and cause damage to property than are non-binge drinkers. Another study explored the ways in which the behavior of binge drinkers can negatively affect others on campus. For example, individuals reported being verbally insulted and/or physically assaulted by binge drinkers. Others have had to take care of drunken classmates or have had their studies disturbed. About 25% of females reported experiencing unwanted sexual advances from binge drinkers. Binge drinking can also lead to alcohol poisoning, which is potentially fatal.

Abusing alcohol or other substances can decrease inhibitions and increases the chances of the student engaging in risky behaviors – both sexual and otherwise (like drunk driving, fighting, etc.). Date rape, overdoses, and hospitalizations are all associated with substance abuse. Additionally, excessive drinking can also cause “blackouts” – this occurs when the drinker is unable to remember a period of time the following day. Finally, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and compulsiveness may be related to college drinking habits.

What should I do if my young adult is at or heading to college?

Talk to your young adult about the dangers of substance abuse. Be interested in their life, activities, and friends, and remind them regularly of your family’s values and that you are always available to help them if they need it. The more open you are about the topic, the more likely it will be that they will remember your words when they are offered a substance, and choose to act responsibly. If you suspect that they have a problem with substance abuse and have seen evidence of it when they are home or heard about it from their friends, we encourage you to call eDrug Rehab today.