Know Some Fast Facts
Now numbers don’t always mean too much to us until we can put a real face on the statistic. But before you get to college, you may know of at least one tragic incident that has touched you, your school, or your community. There’s your best friend’s happy-go-lucky cousin who thought he’d live forever, but died of an accidental drug overdose. And sadly, nearly every school district can identify a drunk-driving accident that has left permanent tracks of tears.
A four-year study of college alcohol and drug use, published in 2007 by Columbia University, says that each month, 49 percent of college students binge drink and/or abuse prescription and illegal drugs. In 2005 alone, about 22.9 percent “met the medical criteria for substance abuse and dependence.” That’s nearly three times the national average for the general population!
Drinking FAQs – If you think you know everything about how booze might affect your college life, think again. Did you know, for example, that 25 percent of college students who drink wind up suffering negative academic consequences? You may be surprised at other numbers, too. Here’s A Snapshot of Annual High-Risk College Drinking Consequences. These snapshots include some easy-to-digest numbers on academic difficulties, health issues, assault, sexual abuse, unprotected sex, relationship violence, depression and suicide attempts, drunk driving, and alcohol dependence.
These numbers don’t itemize the popularity of binge drinking and prevalence alcohol poisoning among students, but you’re probably aware of this. While alcohol use among college students has remained pretty consistent in the past decade, its negative impact continues to take its toll.
Drug FAQs – It’s not surprising that illicit drug use is rising on campuses – the lure of escapism and the desire to be more like – and liked more by – one’s peers can be a strong incentive. Marijuana use has more than doubled from 1993 to 2005. Other illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin have risen 52 percent, according to a study by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University. The New York Times reports the rise of cocaine use among white teens. And you're also likely to be exposed to club drugs like Ecstasy or GHB and prescription painkillers. Just like alcohol, there are serious risks and addictions involved.
The roster of popular drugs is certainly long and usage is way up on college campuses. While alcoholic beverages may vary in strength – from beer to tequila shooters – the chemical make-up and sources of drugs vary greatly, as do their degrees of legitimacy, making for a diverse menu, including:
- Cocaine and crack
- Club drugs – Ecstasy (MDMA), GHB, Rohypnol (a known date-rape drug), Ketamine
- Hallucinogens – LSD, PCP (angel dust), MDA, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and peyote
- Heroin and opium
- Marijuana
- Prescription painkillers – Unauthorized, non-medical of OxyContin and hydrocodone
- Prescription stimulants – Unauthorized and non-medical use of Ritalin, Adderall, and other ADHD medications
- Stimulants – A family of amphetamines, such as crystal meth
- Tranquilizers – Like Xanax and Valium
Now some people would say “Hey, that’s why they call it ‘higher education!’” Well, that’s pretty funny, but if you’re really interested in being educated, be informed on drug use and make your decisions based on what you know. Get the skinny on drug use among the college crowd and its effects. Check out Facts on Tap – Drugs and Your College Experience – and Club Drugs – Statistics, info, and facts.
Risks and more risks – In addition to the potential loss of your precious brain cells, there’s your integrity and dignity to think about. In response to increased drug sales, colleges are ramping up security efforts by cooperating with local police and federal agencies. Students who get caught in raids may have their academic prospects dashed as they face felony charges and convictions.
Before you toy with the idea of experimenting with drugs – or even if you already do – be aware that all club drugs affect your head and your body. While some folks appreciate losing some of their inhibitions, club drugs can mess with your self-control.