Published in June and July of 2009 in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s [SAMHSA] award winning SAMHSA News is a report about Adderall abuse and college students. The report indicates that the prescription stimulant; that is legally prescribed for conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Narcolepsy, is used non-medically by college students. According to the reports 6.4% of college students, attending college full time, had used the drug. Nearly all of them (89%) were also binge-drinking alcohol.
Unfortunately Adderall and alcohol are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to drug use in college. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has also issued their own warnings, stating in a 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Report that prescription drug use was highest among adolescents and adults. In fact the age group of 18 to 25 had the highest rate of use for non-medical prescriptions at 5.9%. The second largest age group for prescription abuse was 12 to 17 year olds at 3%. It was duly noted that in this report those that were taking prescriptions non-medically were also using illicit drugs. The most popular were cocaine and marijuana. Links between this use and excessive drinking and cigarette use were also reported.
With the above reports and data one thing is clear: drug abuse is prevalent amongst adolescents, teens and young adults. When the child or teens lives at home there are some guidelines parents can follow. Namely being educated on the signs of abuse, looking for them the home, monitoring social media and watching for them in your child. But, what about when it is time for the child to leave home and attend college or another vocational or technical school?
Signs of College Drug Use
While it can be more difficult to catch a drug use problem in a child who is attending college away from home, there are some telltale signs that there is abuse. They are as follows:
- Dropping Grades
- Money Troubles – most frequently the user will never have money. When monies are deposited in an account for food, books, college supplies etc. it will disappear. The user will come up with excuses about why he or she does not have it. This will occur on a continual basis.
- Missed Appointments – The individual will be late or miss many appointments when using drugs. This could even be that they are continually missing class or late for it, or they are missing meetings with their advisor, doctor appointments or other appointments.
- Change In Physical Appearance – most often this is seen in extreme weight gain or weight loss. The user will have dark circles under the eyes and their skin maybe broken out or clammy. Drug users often neglect appearance so he or she may have greasy hair, dirty clothes or generally look unkept.
- Change In Personality – The user will go through mood swings; being happy one minute and sad the next. He or she may experience depression, bouts of anxiety or paranoia. Often he or she will shy away from those who are not using drugs.
- Paraphernalia – While this cannot always be caught if the child is away at college it is another sign of use. With marijuana the user may have glass pipes or bongs. If they are using prescription bottles, there may be empty bottles lying around. With drug like cocaine or heroin one could be using needles or razor blades and straws. And with alcohol, look for empty bottles. If the user is far away from home, parents can look for these items during visits or if he or she is home for a college break.
If your son or daughter is using drugs there are really only three main things to do. The first is getting yourself educated on drugs and addiction and why people take drugs. The second is to speak with them and confront them about the problem. And, the third is to get them enrolled in a treatment center.
