College Students Addiction & Mental Health Support

Drug and alcohol use is extremely common among college students, and of all substance abuse among college students, alcohol, marijuana, and prescription stimulants are some of the most commonly abused substances. One study estimated that 17% of college students regularly misuse prescription stimulants, while another study estimated 20%. The most commonly reported reason for college students misusing stimulants is the perceived benefit to their academic performance. Alcohol and marijuana, on the other hand, are usually used strictly for recreation by college students. Alcohol use, in particular, is closely associated with fraternity or sorority involvement; greater participation in these groups is directly correlated to greater and more frequent alcohol consumption. A SAMHSA report found that, between 2011 and 2014, the number of college students in America who used alcohol and drug use on an average day was as follows:

Substance abuse by college students is prevalent, and the college culture can encourage this kind of drug and alcohol use. One study from 2007 found that the risk for onset of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence is 19 years old and around half of the people who have alcohol use disorder at age 19 continue to have this issue at age 25. The high rate of alcohol use among college students is noteworthy, as this can persist well past someone’s time at college. One of the most concerning issues of college student substance abuse is the relatively low rates of treatment-seeking among college students for substance use disorder or even substance dependence. Treatment for substance abuse or dependence can significantly improve someone’s chances of recovery, but treatment must be sought for this to occur.

There is a strong connection between mental health conditions and substance use disorders, and while these are distinct conditions, they share many contributing factors. While alcohol use is connected to mental health issues, among college students, the substances that are most closely associated with a co-occurring mental health condition include marijuana, prescription drugs, cocaine, and heroin. While drug use does not cause mental illness, college students with a mental illness are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol.

The fact that co-occurring issues commonly arise during college years is no coincidence. While substance use disorders and mental health issues have no single causative factor, they can be influenced by multiple factors, both internal and external. This is a time of great change genetically, physically, environmentally, behaviorally, and otherwise and this can produce a great deal of stress. Any predisposition toward mental illness or substance abuse may be accelerated or amplified by this stress, and certain drugs can amplify this effect even further. Marijuana use, in particular, has been strongly associated with worsening certain mental health issues including psychosis and schizophrenia. Marijuana use may also accelerate the emergence of schizophrenia in someone who was predisposed to this condition, sometimes by several years. Again, marijuana use does not cause these conditions, but using marijuana can worsen symptoms, increase the risk of experiencing psychosis, and lead to more negative long-term outcomes for people with co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

While drug and alcohol use is common at colleges, and mental health conditions most frequently emerge during this time in someone’s life, a college may be one of the best places to find help. College counseling departments can be extremely valuable resources for someone finding help for whatever issues they may be dealing with. Aside from having professional counselors and therapists on staff, these departments usually have a very close relationship with counselors, therapists, and psychiatrists in the local area. Additionally, they may be able to refer someone with co-occurring conditions to a dual diagnosis treatment center that can provide professional, comprehensive care. Professional help is highly recommended for anyone struggling with substance abuse or mental health challenges, and in cases of co-occurring conditions, SAMHSA states that receiving integrated treatment is the most effective way for someone to begin successful, long-term recovery.