There are illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin and others being used by college students. These drugs have been around for a long time and their use is increasing. Illegal drugs were used almost 3 percent more in 2005 than they were in 1993, according to USA Today.
While some people may not see alcohol as a drug, it sould be considered so because it changes the way users think and function and alcohol is still a prevalent part of the college lifestyle. In addition to alcohol, prescription drugs such as Percocet, Vicodin and OxyContin are becoming more widely abused.
Drug abuse by co-eds often starts by partying and late nights, so common among college students, others turn to drugs because of the stress of college. It is not uncommon for college students to turn to prescription drugs to give them endurance to cram for exams all night. Peer pressure, family stress, homesickness, personal problems and scholarship requirements separately or combined can make college students take desperate measures.
If closely observed, drug abuse can be detected easily in college students. First, observe if they spend their time alone. Drug abusers often do this to prevent others from noticing change in their behavior. Drug users also lie about their activities because they are doing drugs rather than something constructive.
Second, signs--such as bloodshot eyes, fatigue, hyperactivity and weight gain or loss--are common among drug abusers.
Third, drug addicts commonly lose interest in work, school and social functions because their main goal is to indulge their addiction. If interest in social functions has declined dramatically, it may be likely that the person has a drug addiction.
Fourth, financial difficulty can be a sign of drug abuse because the user may be using money to purchase drugs rather than paying bills. The user may borrow money or steal items to get money for drugs.
Fifth, the drug user may be going through a divorce because marriages and relationships often fail when one of the partners abuses drugs.
Drug use can have significant negative effects on academics and professional careers, with death being the most dramatic. Drug abuse is the primary cause of death among college-aged students according to the study "The Effects of Drugs and Alcohol on Academic Life."
Abuse of drugs and alcohol can damage school performance and can greatly diminish the chances of getting a job. Researches found that of those students having academic problems, 40 percent of them abuse alcohol. It also found that 28 percent of college dropouts are alcoholics.
Drug use can lead to dangerous activities: drug users may end up incarcerated, dismissed from school or infected with a disease. These consequences will damage the academic and professional success of every drug user.
Drug abuse is serious and needs to be addressed immediately. You can have a discussion with the drug user and he may know there is a problem and may be willing to get help on his own. If you are not the parent, you may want to contact them and make them aware of the problem. Whether the parents or someone else acts, you should get professional help, whether it is from a doctor or a school counselor.
There are local programs to help with drug use, such as support groups that are provided at no cost. This opportunity gives drug users a chance to control the problem with others in the same situation. These programs can be found in local telephone directories and the Internet. Drug rehabilitation centers also may be helpful if the drug problem is more serious. They offer medical assistance throughout the rehabilitation process.