Facts and Statistics of College Drug Abuse

Drug Abuse and College Campuses

Substance abuse among college students is hardly a new trend. From the 1970s on, rates of alcohol consumption and binge drinking have remained fairly constant. College students have always represented a large portion of the population abusing drugs and alcohol on a regular basis.

Changes in Drug Abuse Trends in College

Although alcohol abuse has maintained a steady presence on college campuses, the type and frequency of other substances has varied throughout the years.

Some researchers suggest drug abuse is cyclical. This means that as concern over one drug rises, so do prevention efforts. Then, as use falls for that drug, so does the effort to reduce its use. This can then lead to lack of education and a resurgence in abuse of that drug.

Some of the things that impact which drugs are targets for abuse, especially on college campuses, include:

• Shifts in public perception of drugs
• Changes in legislation that make penalties more or less severe
• Availability of certain drugs, especially prescriptions

Signs of Substance Abuse in College Students

Substance abuse occurs when someone uses a drug outside of how it was intended or prescribed. This can include taking Adderall without a prescription to increase concentration or smoking marijuana in order to relax. Drinking is considered abuse when its effects negatively impact the drinker’s social or professional life or health. Learn about the difference between abuse and addiction in college students here.

Although the signs and symptoms of drug or alcohol abuse vary based on the substance, there are often psychological patterns that emerge in those who are consistently abusing. While some personality changes can be attributed to other stressors, dramatic shifts that are otherwise unexplained may signal something is wrong. Some ways to tell if a college student is abusing drugs or alcohol include:

• Decreased interest in classes and extracurricular activities
• Drastic change in grades or academic performance
• Shifts in sleeping patterns or fluctuations in weight
• Time spent in new social circles, especially among those who have a reputation of abuse
• Withdrawing from friends or acting secretive
• Unexplained changes in behavior or personality
• Uncharacteristic mood swings, depression or irritability

College Students at Higher Risk

Substance abuse does not discriminate. No one, regardless of whether they come from a good family or have a high GPA, is immune to drug abuse.

However, based on social pressures, expectations and availability of certain drugs, there are some demographics on college campuses that may be at a higher risk of encountering and abusing drugs. These include:

• Fraternity and sorority members
• Campus athletes
• Students with mental health concerns
• Residents of on-campus housing and dorms
• Students facing extreme amounts of stress

Additionally, research has shown that males are more likely than females to both abuse drugs and face severe consequences for it, including: arrest, injury and even death.