College Drug Abuse vs Addiction

Understanding Drug Abuse And Addiction

Use of any illicit drug, such as heroin or methamphetamine, is abuse. There is no threshold of allowability, and consequences may be severe.

Taking prescription drugs, such as Concerta or Xanax, without a proper prescription is also considered abuse. Use of a prescribed drug in a manner other than how it was prescribed counts as abuse. For example, people who crush up and snort or inject their prescribed OxyContin are abusing the drug. This kind of abuse can subject the user to potential health risks, legal punishment, and college or university-sanctioned consequences.

Defining Alcohol Abuse

Because alcohol is a legal and socially acceptable substance, defining alcohol abuse is a little different than defining abuse for other drugs.

[Alcohol abuse] is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one’s health, interpersonal relationships, or ability to work.

If alcohol is coming between a college student and their capacity to meet academic, professional, or social obligations, it is abuse.

When Abuse Turns Into Addiction

Continued abuse of some drugs, including benzodiazepines and painkillers, almost invariably leads to an addiction. There are eleven criteria for diagnosing a substance use disorder (SUD) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). Some of these include:

• Wanting to quit but being unable to
• Prioritizing drug use over responsibilities
• Having relationship difficulties as a result of drug use
• Continuing to use drugs despite known consequences
• Developing a tolerance
• Not wanting to quit for fear of withdrawal symptoms

Drinking and drug abuse among college students can be downplayed or dismissed as part of the college experience. However, it is during this critical phase of a young person’s life that they may become dependent on these substances rather than grow out of use. If you think someone you know is addicted to drugs or alcohol, reach out to a treatment provider today.

Growing Up And Out Of Alcohol Abuse And Addiction

The most prevalent drug among college students has always been alcohol. Research suggests that 4 out of 5 students drink, and as many as 2 out of 5 binge drink. Despite these high numbers, many of these students graduate and stop drinking as much. Drugs such as marijuana and Adderall often lose their appeal once a student moves on and gets a job, starts a family, and feels the responsibilities of adulthood set in. Changes in schedule, location, relationship status, health, and age can all limit how much someone is willing to drink or use drugs.

Although some people grow out of excessive drinking patterns, hundreds if not thousands of college students establish dangerous habits that continue long after graduation. Alcoholism affects millions of people nationwide. Looking the other way when a student has a serious problem, or writing it off as simply part of the college experience, can have dire consequences.

College Drug Abuse Statistics

Getting Help For Abuse And Addiction

Any college student struggling with the pressures of academia is at risk for substance abuse and addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, prescription drugs, stimulants, or illicit substances, help is out there. Get in touch with a treatment provider today rehab-related help.