An estimated 110,000 students between the ages of 18-24 are arrested every year for an alcohol-related violation, such as public drunkenness or driving under the influence, 80 percent of U.S. college students have abused alcohol, and the amount of students who abuse prescription drugs has increased by 450 percent over the last decade (“Facts and Statistics of College Drug Abuse”). Medications used to cure diseases, ease pain, and overall benefit society are the same medications that misused, can cause drastic side effects for users and even death. This type of illegal consumption and misuse of drugs is also referred to as drug abuse, and although universities have dealt with substance abuse such as alcohol abuse and binge drinking for decades,
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Specifically, researchers study people who are most commonly affected by drug abuse and what brings on this misuse. Research concludes that there is no discrimination when it comes to substance abuse, and even those who have a loving and stable family background, flourishing social connections, or exceptional grades are still not free from the risk of drug exposure. There are, however, certain demographics found on university campuses that have proved to have a higher possibility of coming into contact with drugs or even experiences substance abuse. People ages 18 to 24 are at a heightened risk for drug misuse and addiction compared to other age groups, and specifically those who are enrolled in a full-time college program are twice as likely to abuse drugs and alcohol (“College Drug Abuse”). Furthermore, college students who experience difficult academic course loads, high levels of stress, and pressuring or forceful friend groups are characterized as the most likely individuals to engage in drug abuse. Recent studies have revealed a significant connection between nonmedical use of prescription drugs, demographic characteristics, college-specific risk factors, and other …show more content…
In most cases, college students use medications prescribed to friends and classmates or misuse medications in a way that is inconsistent with medical advice. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity dis-order, ADHD, medications, specifically psychostimulants, and prescription opioids used in a nonmedical context are considered most preferred among the college age group commonly used in a nonmedical context (Garnier, Laura M. et al.) Also favorites among this age group are tranquilizers, opioids, stimulants, and sedatives. There are many different programs that help one gain a better understanding about statistics regarding student drug and alcohol abuse. One of these programs is the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which conducts annual Monitoring the Future, MTF, surveys for drug use found on college campuses. Results from MTF conclude that alcohol is the most commonly abused drug for the college aged population (“Drug Abuse on College Campuses…”). The survey found that alcohol abuse is one of the largest problems on campus as well as the hardest to manage. Jim Lange, coordinator of Alcohol and Other Drug Initiatives for San Diego State University, explains the increasing trend for college students to mix illicit drugs with alcohol. Consequences for these combinations include medical emergencies from severe reactions to
Specifically, researchers study people who are most commonly affected by drug abuse and what brings on this misuse. Research concludes that there is no discrimination when it comes to substance abuse, and even those who have a loving and stable family background, flourishing social connections, or exceptional grades are still not free from the risk of drug exposure. There are, however, certain demographics found on university campuses that have proved to have a higher possibility of coming into contact with drugs or even experiences substance abuse. People ages 18 to 24 are at a heightened risk for drug misuse and addiction compared to other age groups, and specifically those who are enrolled in a full-time college program are twice as likely to abuse drugs and alcohol (“College Drug Abuse”). Furthermore, college students who experience difficult academic course loads, high levels of stress, and pressuring or forceful friend groups are characterized as the most likely individuals to engage in drug abuse. Recent studies have revealed a significant connection between nonmedical use of prescription drugs, demographic characteristics, college-specific risk factors, and other …show more content…
In most cases, college students use medications prescribed to friends and classmates or misuse medications in a way that is inconsistent with medical advice. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity dis-order, ADHD, medications, specifically psychostimulants, and prescription opioids used in a nonmedical context are considered most preferred among the college age group commonly used in a nonmedical context (Garnier, Laura M. et al.) Also favorites among this age group are tranquilizers, opioids, stimulants, and sedatives. There are many different programs that help one gain a better understanding about statistics regarding student drug and alcohol abuse. One of these programs is the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which conducts annual Monitoring the Future, MTF, surveys for drug use found on college campuses. Results from MTF conclude that alcohol is the most commonly abused drug for the college aged population (“Drug Abuse on College Campuses…”). The survey found that alcohol abuse is one of the largest problems on campus as well as the hardest to manage. Jim Lange, coordinator of Alcohol and Other Drug Initiatives for San Diego State University, explains the increasing trend for college students to mix illicit drugs with alcohol. Consequences for these combinations include medical emergencies from severe reactions to