Substance Abuse In College

Substance abuse over college students make up one of the largest groups of drug abusers nation wide. Daily drug abuse among college-aged young adults is at its highest since 1980. College students are abusing a number of prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and illegal drugs, Adderall, alcohol, OxyContin, and medical marijuana. Substance abuse is defined as a pattern of drug use leading to significant problems or distress. Substance abuse among college students is not new, but behavior experts believe that prescription overdoses and binge drinking has spiked at an alarming rate. Adults ranging from ages 18-25 studies show that prescription drug abuse is second to marijuana abuse. Columbia University study proved that almost half of full-time students binge drink and abuse prescription drugs. Also, many students abuse alcohol as a way to feel socially accepted on campus.
Educating students of the negative health effects of drinking and substance abuse can help them make educated decisions regarding their alcohol and drug consumption. By understanding what drugs and alcohol can do to their bodies, college students may choose to limit how much they drink. Families and counselors should reach out to those at risk of becoming an addict and help them from experimenting with illicit drugs. Also, churches in the local communities can create small volunteer groups to help provide rehabilitation to drug abusers that can’t afford expensive treatment.Churches can also provide vocational education helping addicts that loss their jobs learn a trade and possibly get a job