Treatment for College Students

Why are college student addiction statistics higher than non-college counterparts?

College is a time where young adults are told to discover who they are, an opportunity to live independently and cultivate lifelong friendships. College students are usually forced to adopt a new lifestyle where they are, for many, alone for the first time and free to do what they want, when they want. Because of the age group, alcohol is readily available on college campuses. Alcohol and drugs are commonly exchanged in classrooms and dorm rooms. In any situation, there is a serious risk of developing an addiction to any substance, no matter its intended purpose.

There are many reasons why college students are more susceptible. Top reasons why college students are more susceptible to addiction:

• College students typically experience higher than normal levels of stress, with different living situations and a change in their social life. To help manage unpleasant or negative feelings, college students are more likely to use drugs or alcohol.
• College students often find themselves in social situations where they want to relax or under pressure from their peers to engage in drinking or drugs socially.
• Students who have a family history of substance abuse have an increased risk of addiction in college.
• Many students believe that it is acceptable, in fact expected, to engage in binge drinking or illegal drugs because it happens around them.
• Studies indicate that college students who are members of a fraternity or sorority have a significantly higher rate of binge drinking and substance abuse.
• For many college students they are transitioning into adulthood and for the first time are completely on their own with no parental supervision, which means they are more likely to become addicted to drugs without someone warning them or disciplining them for their actions.
• Similarly, drugs are readily available on college campuses. Having many students who are of age to purchase alcohol legally means that younger students often have unlimited access to alcohol throughout their studies.