The Dangers of Substance Abuse and Alcohol Abuse in College Students
The Dangers of Substance Abuse and Alcohol Abuse in College Students
School can be a stressful place, with pressure to succeed academically, athletically, and socially. When you’re trying to juggle all of this with the added stress of paying for college, it’s no wonder that some students turn to substance abuse and alcohol as an escape. Or, a way to cope with their stressors. But, there are serious risks associated with these behaviors. They may have an impact on your academic career and future long after college has ended. To learn more about these risks and how you can help those who may be struggling with substance abuse in college, check out the article below…
Drug and Alcohol Use Leads to Poor Academic Performance
Drugs include marijuana, cocaine, , opioids, heroin, and fentanyl. Alcohol use is also considered a drug. This is because it’s a chemical substance that you take into your body. Substance abuse among college students often leads to poor academic performance. Research suggests that substance abuse by college students has increased in recent years. This is because it’s become more socially acceptable and binge drinking is more prevalent. To get an idea of how widespread substance abuse is on campus, one study found that 56% of students had used alcohol within 30 days before they were surveyed and 25% had used drugs during that time.
Another study found over 60% of college students reported having engaged in heavy episodic drinking (defined as consuming 5 or more drinks at one sitting) within two weeks before being surveyed. These numbers can be alarming if you consider what substance abuse means for college students academically.
How Drugs And Alcohol Can Impact Learning
Substance abuse, especially during college years, can have a detrimental effect on learning. Studies show that there is a high correlation between alcohol and drug use and poor academic performance among college students. Not only do students who abuse drugs and alcohol get lower grades, but they are also more likely to drop out of school. Substance abuse has harmful consequences that extend beyond poor academic performance; college students also report issues with health and relationships due to their drug and alcohol use. In addition, many risk-taking behaviors involving drugs and alcohol can lead to other crimes including violent crimes committed by college students while under the influence.
Effects Of Substance Abuse On The Brain
According to a recent study conducted by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine, substance abuse in college students impairs both cognitive and emotional development. However, exactly how it impacts brain function has not been studied until now. The study found that using marijuana more than once per week can harm a person’s ability to process emotions and make decisions based on those emotions. Also, they discovered that using drugs like cocaine more than twice per month can shrink critical brain regions responsible for decision-making and memory. If a person uses alcohol more than three times per week or cigarettes more than once every few days, their overall brain volume decreases dramatically as well.
Signs That Your Child May Be Struggling With Substance Abuse
If you suspect that your child may be struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, keep an eye out for certain signs: Inconsistencies – Substance abuse usually creates inconsistencies in a child’s behavior. This is often visible through poor performance at school, problems with friends and teachers, more frequent mood swings, and changing personal habits. Physically addicted – When a child becomes physically dependent on drugs or alcohol, they will likely begin to exhibit physical symptoms like poor sleeping patterns and bad eating habits. Prolonged usage – The most reliable sign that your child may be abusing substances is if their drug or alcohol use has become excessive over time.
Ways Parents Can Help Their Children Deal With Substance Abuse
Parents play a critical role in helping their children deal with substance abuse, especially during their college years. Talking to your child about alcohol and drug use isn’t easy and can make you feel helpless, but there are some things parents can do to help their children. These include: Being an active listener and asking questions that open a conversation rather than close it down. Communicate with your child regularly—and create opportunities for them to communicate with you. Encourage regular face-to-face meetings rather than just chatting via texts or social media. Understand that talking about drugs and alcohol doesn’t necessarily mean you have a problem—it means they see they have someone they can go to when they need advice.
Is It Time To Speak With A Professional?
Many college students can get through college without experiencing any difficulties with drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, for others, substance abuse can lead to poor academic performance and other consequences. Such as trouble with family and friends, damage to physical health, missed class time due to hangovers or rehab visits, and lack of motivation. If you’re not sure whether your substance abuse is problematic or if you need help finding treatment, it might be time to start a conversation with an addiction psychiatry specialist. For college students who are trying to balance schoolwork and socializing—and think they have a problem—speaking with a professional might be a good first step. Stephen Gilman, MD addiction psychiatrist in NYC offers in-office and remote addiction telepsychiatry sessions in New York.
Begin Substance Abuse Treatment in New York, NY
Overcoming drug habits can be much easier said than done. I understand how difficult this can be, which is why I’m happy to offer support from my NYC, Manhattan-based therapy practice. As an online psychiatrist in New York, NY, I can offer support in-person and online. To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:
- Contact Stephen Gilman, MD
- Learn more about me and my approach
- Start overcoming your alcohol cravings!
Other Services Offered with Stephen Gilman, MD – Addiction Psychiatrist in NYC, Manhattan
Substance abuse treatment for college students isn’t the only service I offer. I offer a variety of services from my NYC, Manhattan-based therapy office. Other mental health services include general psychiatry, young adult psychiatry, and alcohol addiction treatment. I also offer prescription drug addiction treatment, cocaine addiction, and meth addiction treatment. In addition, I also offer support via behavioral addiction treatment, PTSD treatment, drug addiction treatment, and marijuana addiction. As well as adult psychiatry in New York. Feel free to learn how I also offer support through my blog or about page today!
