Just imagine you are an 18-year-old high school graduate that is now leaving home, alone, for the first time in your life to live, without any supervision, with other people your age. In this scenario, it is not surprising that at college, drug and alcohol abuse can become rampant, especially among younger students who are experiencing their first taste of freedom ever. Due to the fact that there is a readily available supply of willing customers, it is not surprising in the least that there will be a readily available supply of drugs for consumption. Often, this is the first time that a college freshman will be able to test their limits and take risks without some parental or authority figure to reign them in. There are all kinds of drugs available, but there is a set type of most abused drugs on college campuses.
Alcohol
Alcohol is obviously the most abused drug on college campuses, which is absolutely no surprise since it is also the number one abused drug in our society in general. It would certainly seem normal to have that number one status transfer to college campuses given that it is legal and readily available if you are 21 years of age. Further, the culture of most college campuses toward alcohol, especially the binge drinking of alcohol, is that it is just a fun thing to do and you cannot have fun unless you are drinking and getting drunk.
Marijuana
Recreational use of marijuana is still illegal in most states. There are currently 9 states that allow the use of recreational marijuana and 30 states that allow the legal use of marijuana for medical purposes. However, the trend is that most, if not all states within the next decade, will allow some form of recreational use of marijuana. Although the conventional wisdom is that marijuana use is no more harmful than alcohol use (and some argue it is even less harmful to individuals and society than alcohol) it is still a drug and can be abused. It is a drug that relaxes the body and can put you in a sleepy state and lower your inhibitions. Also, marijuana is increasingly becoming stronger and more potent than year’s past. The marijuana of today is much stronger than the marijuana of your parent’s time. Because of this, some even argue that marijuana can even be considered a gateway drug to stronger and more addictive drugs.
Prescription Pills
Because many teenagers these days are on prescription pills such as Ritalin and Adderall, they carry these prescriptions to college with them. This has helped the rise of abuse of these types of drugs that were legally prescribed for a legitimate medical condition. These types of drugs are used to keep one focused and energized and are often sold during finals and exam times.
No matter what age you are and no matter what station you are at in life, if you become addicted to and abuse drugs while on college campuses, then there is help for you. Every college and university offers help to students and information about drug addiction and recovery. At Asana Recovery, there is a team of addiction professionals to help you along the road to recovery so that you can have a fulfilling and successful college career.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
