Let’s be real: college isn’t always the picture-perfect experience everyone talks about. Between crushing exam pressures, social expectations, and trying to figure out who we are, sometimes things can get pretty overwhelming.
And for some of us, that overwhelming feeling leads to substance use that becomes more than just the occasional party weekend, necessitating addiction treatment to address the issue and support recovery.
But how often do college students go to rehab, and what holds students back when they need help but do not reach out for it?
That is my topic for what is a fairly informal, but I think passionate look at the realities of getting assistance for substance misuse of all kinds while a student at college.
The Unfiltered Truth About Addiction on College Campuses
I’ve seen it firsthand. That friend who’s always “just having a good time” but whose drinking seems to be getting out of control. The classmate who’s popping study pills like they’re candy. The roommate who’s using marijuana to cope with stress. The reality is, substance abuse isn’t some distant concept – it’s happening right here on our campuses.
National research doesn’t lie. About one in four college students are dealing with some form of substance use disorder, with alcohol abuse being a significant issue among them. That’s not just a statistic – that’s potentially you, me, or someone we know.
Breaking Down the Substance Abuse Scene
Alcohol? Still the king of campus substances. We’ve all heard the jokes about college drinking, but it’s no laughing matter. One-third of students report binge drinking, and nearly 20% are showing signs of serious alcohol dependency. Those weekend parties aren’t just “blowing off steam” for everyone – for some, they’re a warning sign.
Drug and alcohol abuse are silent killers on campus. Those ADHD meds passed around during finals? They’re not just harmless study aids. About 12% of students are misusing prescription medications, and that number is climbing faster than our student loan debt.
Influences on College Students
College life is a whirlwind of new experiences, and sometimes, the pressures can lead to substance abuse. Let’s break it down:
Environmental Influences: The culture on many college campuses can make substance use seem like a rite of passage. From parties to tailgates, alcohol and drugs are often easily accessible. The stress of academic pressures can also push students to seek out substances as a way to cope.
Social Influences: Peer pressure is real. The desire to fit in with certain groups or the influence of social media can make substance use appear normal and even glamorous. It’s easy to feel like you need to join in to be part of the crowd.
Individual Influences: Mental health issues, trauma, and genetic predisposition play significant roles. Students dealing with depression, anxiety, or existing mental health disorders might turn to substances for relief. Those with a family history of substance abuse or who have experienced trauma are also at higher risk.
Understanding these influences can help us recognize why substance abuse happens and how we can support each other in making healthier choices.
Warning Signs of Substance Abuse
Spotting the warning signs of substance abuse early can make a huge difference. Here are some red flags to watch out for:
- Behavioral Changes: Increased secrecy, mood swings, or erratic behavior can be signs that something is off.
- Physical Changes: Noticeable weight loss or gain, bloodshot eyes, or poor hygiene might indicate substance use.
- Neglect of Responsibilities: Missing classes, falling grades, or neglecting work and social commitments are major warning signs.
- Social Changes: Withdrawing from friends and family or changing social circles abruptly can be a sign of trouble.
- Tolerance and Withdrawal: Needing more of a substance to get the same effect or experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using can indicate dependency.
If you or someone you know is showing these signs, it’s crucial to seek help. Early intervention can prevent long-term damage and set the stage for recovery.
Statistics on College Student Substance Abuse
The numbers don’t lie – substance abuse is a significant issue on college campuses. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), about 9% of college students met the criteria for a substance use disorder in 2019. Here are some eye-opening stats:
- Alcohol Use: 60.1% of full-time college students reported drinking alcohol in the past month.
- Binge Drinking: 39.0% of full-time college students engaged in binge drinking.
- Illicit Drug Use: 22.2% of full-time college students used an illicit drug in the past month.
- Heavy Alcohol Use: 13.2% of full-time college students engaged in heavy alcohol use.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for colleges to provide robust mental health services and treatment options for substance use disorders. It’s clear that many students are struggling and need support.
Why Don’t We Talk About Getting Help?
Here’s the thing – college students rarely seek help due to stigma and financial concerns. I get it. Will people think I’m weak? Will this mess up my academic record? Will I lose my scholarships? The stigma is real, and it’s keeping way too many of us from getting the support we need.
Financial concerns are another massive barrier. Treatment is expensive, and most of us are already drowning in ramen and textbook costs. Insurance? Often complicated. Time away from classes? Potentially career-threatening.
The Rehabilitation Reality Check
Not everyone needs intensive rehab or inpatient rehab support programs. Sometimes it’s about finding the right support system. For young adults, particularly those aged 18 to 25, campus counseling centers, peer support groups, and outpatient programs offer options that don’t require dropping out of school.
Outpatient programs can be a game-changer. Imagine getting help without putting your entire life on pause. Individual therapy, group sessions, all while keeping your academic goals on track. It’s about managing your recovery, not derailing your future.
Behavioral Treatment Approaches
When it comes to tackling substance abuse, behavioral treatment approaches can be incredibly effective. Here are some common methods:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This helps students identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to substance use.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI): This approach helps students resolve their ambivalence about quitting substance use and motivates them to make positive changes.
- Contingency Management (CM): This method provides rewards for positive behaviors, like attending treatment sessions or staying sober.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): This helps students manage their emotions and develop healthy coping skills.
These therapies can be tailored to each student’s needs and can be done individually or in group settings. The goal is to equip students with the tools they need to manage their substance use and lead healthier lives.
Paying for Treatment
Worried about the cost of treatment? You’re not alone, but there are options to make it more affordable:
- Campus Resources: Many colleges offer free or low-cost counseling and mental health services.
- Financial Assistance: Scholarships and financial aid are available for students who need help covering treatment costs.
- Insurance: Many insurance plans, including Medicaid and private insurance, cover substance abuse treatment.
- Sliding Scale Fees: Some treatment centers offer sliding scale fees based on your ability to pay.
Remember, seeking help is an investment in your future. The cost of treatment is often outweighed by the benefits of recovery, so don’t let financial concerns hold you back from getting the help you need.
Universities Are Slowly Getting It Right
More schools are finally understanding that punitive approaches don’t work. We need support, not punishment. Mental health resources, non-judgmental counseling, flexible academic accommodations – these are the real solutions.
The Bottom Line: Get the Help You Needed, No Matter What
Addiction doesn’t define you. It’s a challenge, sure, but it’s not a life sentence. Plenty of students have walked this path, gotten help, and gone on to crush their academic and personal goals.
I speak from some experience on this topic and encourage you to reach out for assistance for drug or alcohol use as soon as you (or loved ones) begin to believe it may be impacting your life negatively, whether academically or in any aspect of achieving the life and dreams you deserve.
Your Lifeline to Resources
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Resources
- Local Support Groups such as AA, NA, and SMART Recovery, among others like Refuge Recovery, Dharma Recovery, and more.
References
- Blanco, C., Okuda, M., Wright, C., Hasin, D. S., Grant, B. F., Liu, S. M., & Olfson, M. (2008). Mental health of college students and their non-college-attending peers: Results from the National Epidemiologic Study on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Archives of General Psychiatry, 65(12), 1429-1437. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.65.12.1429
- Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2020). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- Johnston, L. D., Miech, R. A., O’Malley, P. M., Bachman, J. G., Schulenberg, J. E., & Patrick, M. E. (2020). Monitoring the Future national survey results on drug use, 1975–2019: Volume II, College students and adults ages 19–60. Ann Arbor: Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan.
- Hingson, R. W., Zha, W., & Weitzman, E. R. (2009). Magnitude of and trends in alcohol-related mortality and morbidity among U.S. college students ages 18–24, 1998–2005. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 16, 12-20. https://doi.org/10.15288/jsads.2009.s16.12
