Substance Abuse Among College Students: How Common is it?
When you think about some of the stereotypes that go along with college, alcohol consumption undoubtedly comes to mind. But those thoughts shouldn’t be considered the “norm” without also thinking about the adverse effects of excess drinking.
Some college students might only drink at parties or social gatherings. For others, however, it can become a habit or even an addiction. It can even lead to other types of drug use. That's because college students are often more susceptible to drug and alcohol addictions because of the stress in their lives.
One survey found that more than one-third of college students aged 18-22 engage in binge drinking each month, and one in five have used an illicit drug in the last month. But just how common is substance abuse in college? And if you’re a student or a parent of a student, what can you do about it?
The Commonality of Substance Abuse
Another recent study found that 37% of college students drink regularly. That doesn’t necessarily mean “binge drinking,” and it doesn’t suggest how much or how frequently. But within that percentage, it’s safe to say that some are taking things too far.
So, just how common is substance abuse in college? It’s hard to pin down a specific statistic. But with one-third of college students binge drinking every month and experimenting with hard drugs, it’s likely that substance abuse among this demographic is more widespread than most people think.
Why Are the Numbers so High?
To determine why substance abuse is so common among college students, you have to look at some of the underlying factors. People turn to drugs and alcohol for different reasons, but some of the most common include:
Mental health struggles
Peer pressure
Taking a highly addictive drug
Trying to de-stress or relax
Think about a typical college student. They face so many new challenges and different situations immediately. Between the stress of a new environment, a demanding schedule, difficult schoolwork, and forming new social relationships, they can experience all of those triggers.
They are thrust into a completely opposite world from what most of them are used to. Drugs and alcohol can serve as a quick escape and a way to “manage” their stress. With that in mind, it’s really no wonder substance abuse is so common.
What Can be Done?
The stereotype of college students and drinking might not go anywhere any time soon. And when you break down some of the statistics about substance abuse, its severity tends to lose some of its power, but don’t look at those numbers blindly. Instead, think about what they really mean and how they affect young people.
If you or someone you know abuses alcohol or other drugs, it’s important to take action right away. You don’t need to let someone you care about—including yourself—become another number.
Your first line of defense should be whatever mental health services are offered on campus. Most colleges across the country have some type of healthcare center with a mental health professional on staff. This is the quickest and easiest way to get some help if you’re struggling.
Beyond that, reach out to family members and join a support group of other college-aged individuals struggling. You can also commit to seeing a therapist or counselor regularly. Many times, getting to the underlying cause of your substance abuse is the best way to treat it.
Substance abuse in college might be more prevalent than most people think, but that doesn’t mean it should be the norm. So if you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to get help today.