Positive Effects Of Drugs On College Students

The Effects of Drugs on Students Lives College students are at high-risk for initiating drug use without thinking of the effects it may cause them. Drugs can initially appear as having positive effects – lifting ones mood, relaxation or even giving individuals more energy. However, they can also have negative impacts on ones mental and physical health, and their social life. During these important years of peoples lives they are faced with what most young adults look forward too, independence. They are finally able to make their own decisions without having an adults input or guidance. But many times students do not make the right choices, and it causes them many negative outcomes they may have not thought of when deciding to “try” the drug. …show more content…
College is a time to meet new people. Many students leave to college knowing absolutely no one, which means they make new friendships. When they are surrounded by people that use drugs there is a high likelihood of trying them for themselves. Most students are not able to dodge the pressures and temptations of experimenting with drugs. A study done at Columbia University found that almost half of full time students abuse illegal or prescription drugs (Seikel, MD). These students want to present themselves with a “favorable public image” so that they are not criticized and judged. Because of this they tend to follow the crowd since friends are all they have when they are away from their families. Being part of the trend only leads them down a path of destruction, they are slowly ruining there …show more content…
Being in college is not cheap, so much money is invested so that one can have a brighter future. When that student decides to waste their money on drugs their finances go down the drain. Drugs are not free, and most college students already have a budget. Making that choice to use their money on drugs means that there will be less money for books, school supplies or most importantly, food (Miller). Substance abuse has a high correlation with dropping out of school. This immediately creates a lifelong loss of earned income. Without a college degree there is only a limited amount of jobs out in the workforce. Research has shown that people who begin using drugs during their college years will develop a substance abuse at some point in their life (J.L. Matheson). An employer will not be willing to hire a student who does not have an overall good looking impression. Most young drug users would not be willing to stop using them in order to get a job. Students personal appearance and hygiene would not be accepted by hiring managers, and they would be disqualified because of the drug tests. Without a job there is no type of money income available. As the substance abuse progresses things like bad credit, high interest rates, and late bills are commonly seen. Money that should be used for paying off their debts is used for purchasing