High school and college students are notorious for experimenting with drugs and alcohol and encouraging others to join in the experimentation. A college campus is one of the more common places where drugs are sold and abused. With the absence of parents it’s a lot easier for college age young people to do more experimentation and set the stage for addiction and an increased tolerance later on in life. Here are the most abused drugs by students.
1. Prescription Pills
Getting hands on prescription pills is all too easy for anyone of any age. There is a wide range of prescription medications that are readily accessible thanks to the abundance of diagnoses of certain conditions and some physicians’ willingness to turn to pharmaceuticals first. Opioids like vicodin and percocet are highly addictive and can derail a person’s dreams quickly. Adderall and other ADHD medications are also extremely easy finds, as more than half of students with prescriptions have given their medication to peers. Having the resources of an Addiction Treatment Center on your side can be the difference in getting back on track and losing yourself.
2. Marijuana
Marijuana is a favorite for many students, or it has at least been tried by a majority of students. This is why it goes by many names like grass, bud, ganja, weed and plenty more. Although there are a growing number of states legalizing its recreational use, the use and possession of weed is still illegal in most states. Since marijuana is an unprocessed plant material, many kids believe it to be harmless and non-addictive, however this is not true. It can relax users to the point where they shirk responsibilities and have heavily impaired judgment.
3. Ecstasy
Ecstasy or MDMA is a favorite among party goers that are looking for an altered experience with music and dancing. It can be a very intense experience, which makes it quite dangerous. Ecstasy works on the pleasure hormones in the brain, by flooding it with chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. The problem with MDMA is that the intenses surge of these feel good chemicals depletes the brain’s current reserves, leaving little to none for the body to use in the days immediately after consumption.
4. Cocaine
Cocaine use is on the rise amongst college age students. This Schedule I drug is highly addictive and very illegal throughout the United States. It’s an expensive drug that gives users a euphoric feeling. Unfortunately, users are highly likely to experience real brain damage with prolonged and continual usage. Decreased executive functioning, decreased brain glucose metabolism and psychosis are just some of the dangers of cocaine use. One in four people who try cocaine will become an addict.
5. Hallucinogens
LSD, psilocybin mushrooms and DMT are some of the more common hallucinogens students are trying and abusing. The trend of microdosing has led lots of young people to experiment with these drugs, thinking that they are a harmless way of correcting and assisting brain function. Although there is emerging science suggesting that medical use can be beneficial, the uncontrolled usage on campuses is dangerous and could have some very serious consequences.
Unfortunately many students become addicted to these substances unintentionally in the pursuit of having a good time and fitting in. Experimenting with drugs is a slippery slope, and if you or someone you know seems to be sliding, reach out for help. There are tons of resources and treatment options to take advantage of.