For decades, alcohol and drugs have been synonymous with the college experience. While the majority of college campuses have rules and regulations regarding substance abuse, they are almost always broken by students who want to experiment. Today, there is more substance abuse occurring across the board than ever before.
Approximately 80% of all college students have abused alcohol, while about 60% of them continue to abuse alcohol. Another 37% of college students abuse drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, and prescription drugs. Unfortunately, what is often a time of experimentation for college students can turn into a much bigger problem as their abuse of drugs and alcohol continues.
It can be extremely difficult to distinguish who has a substance abuse problem and who does not in a college setting, because the majority of students drink and/or experiment with drugs. But those college students who are struggling with substance abuse often exhibit several red flags that signal a more serious issue.
Signs of Substance Abuse in College Students
There are a number of reasons why college students find themselves drinking to excess and using drugs. For starters, the pressure of maintaining good grades and achieving success while in school can be overwhelming for many. Drinking or using drugs as a way of “unwinding” from the stress of school can quickly become problematic. As can drinking or using drugs to impress others, to enhance the partying experience, or out of plain curiosity.
As mentioned before, being able to spot who has a substance abuse problem and who doesn’t in a college setting isn’t always easy. Thankfully, there are several signs of substance abuse in college students.
Academic problems
Some of the first signs that college students tend to exhibit are problems related to their academics. A college student who is abusing drugs and/or alcohol may start slipping on their assignments, forgetting about projects, withdrawing from class participation, and failing to take proper notes while in class. As a result, their grades can drop both quickly and dramatically. If this behavior continues and a student’s grades remain poor, they will likely need to repeat one or more classes, setting back their progress significantly (plus costing them more money if they stay in college longer as a result). Academic problems can also serve as a trigger for college students to drop out, as they feel discouraged and overwhelmed by the task of bringing up their grades.
Changes in appearance
College is certainly a time of transformation for most, meaning that many college students may change up their style. But when a college student’s appearance becomes messy, disheveled, and/or unhygienic, there could be a bigger issue going on. When a college student is addicted to drugs or alcohol, their use becomes their top priority. This means that they are more likely to choose using or drinking over getting a haircut, taking a shower, or using their money to buy new clothes.
Dangerous behavior
Substance abuse in college leads to several dangerous behaviors that put both the student and potentially those around them in harm’s way. One of the most dangerous behaviors that college students engage in is driving while under the influence. Not only can this result in an accident that alters or takes their life, but their influenced driving can also harm or take the lives of others on the road. Their dangerous behaviors can continue off the road, too, especially with sexual relationships. College students abusing drugs or alcohol are more likely to have unprotected sex, commit sexual assault or rape, or be the victim of a sexual offense. These concerning behaviors can lead to the development of sexually transmitted diseases and infections, as well as unexpected pregnancies.
Problems on campus and/or with the law
Campuses across the country have a set of rules that students agree to abide by during their time at school. Abusing drugs or alcohol can lower a student’s inhibitions to a point where they actively choose to disregard these rules, resulting in being written up, kicked off campus, or even expelled. Keep in mind that college students are not just limited to their campus, rather they go out in the city or town that their college is in. The same lowered inhibitions can lead a college student to get in a fight, steal from a business, cause a public disturbance, or drive under the influence. These issues can result in fines, tickets, and jail time.
Social withdrawal
Abusing drugs or alcohol can infiltrate a student’s life so significantly that they withdraw from their friends and family. They may even seem withdrawn if around others (such as in class or at a party). Keeping away from others allows those who abuse drugs and alcohol to keep using without any judgment or interference. Becoming socially withdrawn can be intentional, but also unintentional, too. A student may frequently get too high and pass out before they were supposed to meet up with friends or attend an event. They may become so focused on obtaining drugs or alcohol that they spend all of their time in a cycle of buying, using, and passing out.
Other signs of substance abuse in college students can include sudden mood swings, changes in sleep patterns, using one addictive substance to counteract another addictive substance’s effects, and going MIA for periods of time.
Getting Help for Substance Abuse
If you are a college student and you are struggling with substance abuse, you know how devastating it can be. You are likely aware of how much your life has changed and maybe even want to stop using, but can’t. It is completely normal to feel this way, however, accepting these feelings and continuing to use will lead to nothing but further devastation, if not death.
Some things you can do to get help for your substance abuse problem can include:
- Calling a local treatment center to see what programs they offer and what insurance they take
- Visiting your primary care physician and/or your therapist for an evaluation and a referral to specialists who can help
- Asking your family to help get the process of treatment started if you are unable to do so yourself
Depending on the severity of your substance abuse, you may need to consider pushing the pause button on college in order to recover first. Continuing to stay in school while receiving treatment can be an option too if it is determined to be what is best for you.
Get Help for Substance Abuse Right Now by Calling Asana Recovery
Your substance abuse problem does not define you. If you are ready to stop using and get your life back on track, reach out to us right now. We can help get you started on the road to recovery.
