Substance Misuse Among College Students: What Do the Statistics Say?

Moving from high school into college brings independence, which is exciting but also risky. The pressures of making new friends, fitting in, and balancing work, school, and personal life can lead to substance abuse.

College students are at such great risk of addiction that they make up one of the most sizable populations of drug and alcohol users. According to addiction treatment centers in Thousand Oaks, the rate of substance misuse among students has increased significantly within the last few years. Here, we offer a few thought-provoking statistics on drug and alcohol use among college students.

Statistics on Student Alcohol Use

As most of us know from movies, TV, and personal experience, binge drinking is prevalent among college-age people. A recent survey said that almost 55% of full-time students drink every month, which is more than 10% higher than non-students in the same age group. The risks of overconsumption include:

• Death and physical injury: Over 1800 college students 18-24 die yearly from alcohol-related injuries, including auto accidents.
• Assault: Nearly 700,000 students have been assaulted by other students after drinking.
• Sexual assault: Almost 100,000 students 18-24 say they’ve been assaulted after consuming alcohol.
• Decreased academic performance: About 25% of college students report adverse academic consequences, including falling behind, missing class, and failing exams.

A study from the American Medical Association documents the link between anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. While the connection is not direct, many people self-medicate with substances, creating a cycle of abuse, recovery, and declining mental health.

Drug Use During College

Up to half of college students admit to using drugs once per month. Students are under constant pressure to fit in and perform academically, and many turn to Ritalin, Adderall, and other prescription stimulants to improve focus and stay up late to study. Illegal drugs and cannabis also have a high rate of use among students.

Young adults are the primary users of MDMA, ecstasy, and other hallucinogens. These party drugs are often used during music festivals to heighten the experience, but they carry side effects like depression and the risk of worsening mental illness.

The prevalence of prescription painkiller use is increasing as students use these drugs to get high or manage pain. An addiction to painkillers can lead students to try heroin or fentanyl to get similar feelings, but it can also result in overdose and death. Although it may seem fun at first, regular substance usage leads to addiction and harmful health effects.

Signs of Substance Misuse

The following signs may indicate that the college student in your life is misusing alcohol or drugs.

• A loss of interest in pleasurable activities
• Declining academic performance
• Weight gain or loss
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Unexplained personality or behavioral changes
• Mood swings and irritability

If you believe someone in your family is abusing alcohol or drugs, assistance is available. SAMHSA offers help and resources for professors, parents, and peers to support those struggling with substance misuse, while support groups and addiction treatment centers help students identify their triggers and create treatment plans.

Help for Students Fighting Addiction

The misuse of alcohol and drugs is common among college students, and it can have lifelong consequences. By acknowledging these statistics and recognizing the signs of substance abuse, students, educators, and parents can act to minimize the detrimental effects of addiction.