10 Warning Signs of Drug Addiction in College Students

by | Oct 21, 2022

Addiction can be a challenging and isolating struggle, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. If you are seeking addiction treatment in Louisville, Kentucky, there is hope.

In the United States, college students have a high rate of drug use. With the rise in drug use, there has also been a rise in addiction and withdrawal symptoms. These signs should be taken seriously and not ignored.

 The warning signs of drug addiction are similar to the warning signs of other addictions such as gambling or alcohol addiction. Many people will try drugs once or twice before they realize that they have a problem with them, so it is important to recognize these warning signs early on in order to get help.

In this post, 10 Warning Signs Of Drug Addiction In College Students, we’re going to consider some of the signs you may want to look out for, from changes in habits to a drop in performance. 

If you recognize any of these signs, you may want to reach out to us at Louisville Addiction Treatment Center. Our Impact Outpatient Program is a one-of-a-kind outpatient drug & alcohol treatment center that offers a path to lasting, sustainable recovery.

The Signs of Drug Addiction in College Students

Drug addiction is a serious issue on college campuses. It affects students in many ways, from academic performance to health and safety. The signs of drug addiction are varied, but most of the time they can be grouped into three categories: behavioral, psychological, and physical. 

This can vary from neglecting responsibilities and lying about drug use or whereabouts to having a lack of motivation or energy and difficulty concentrating. The signs of drug addiction in college students can be difficult to spot, but there are certain patterns that can help you identify if a student is struggling with a substance.

College Substance Abuse Statistics and Trends

Substance abuse is a major problem in the United States. It is one of the fastest-growing drug problems among young people. The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that substance use disorders affect 10 million Americans between ages 12 and 24. 

In 2018, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration released a report that showed that college students are more likely to have substance abuse issues than their peers who have not attended college.

The number of teens who used drugs in 2017 was down nearly three percent from the year before, but still higher than it had been in years past. The report also showed that teen drug use has gradually increased over time since 1990 when it was at its lowest point ever at 4% of teens using drugs.

10 Warning Signs Of Drug Addiction In College Students

Drug addiction is a serious problem among college students. It can affect their academic performance and social life. The 10 warning signs of drug addiction in college students are as follows:

1) Changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and energy levels

2) Increased irritability or aggression

3) Changes in personal hygiene habits, such as neglecting to bathe or change clothes

4) Drug-seeking behaviors, such as stealing drugs from friends or the drug dealer

5) Unusual spending on drugs or other items that are related to drug use

6) Unexplained absences from work or school

7) Absence from classes without notification

8) Disorganized living space or belongings

9) Inability to stop using drugs even when faced with negative consequences

10) Continued drug use despite physical, emotional, or economic problems

However, alongside this, you may find that a failure to take care of self and/or others, risky sexual behaviors, self-harm, and sudden changes in mood or behavior with no clear reason are indicators too.

The Most Common Reasons for Drug Abuse in College Students

Drug abuse is a serious issue that is affecting the lives of many people in society. Despite the fact that it affects everyone, it’s a problem that is more prevalent among college students. But what does this tend to happen? The most common reasons for drug abuse in college students are as follows:

Peer pressure: Students who are experiencing stress and anxiety about their future might turn to drugs to help them cope with this.

Escalating use: Some people might start using drugs as a way of coping with life’s challenges, but end up becoming addicted and unable to stop.

Lack of social support system: Students who are struggling with emotional issues might turn to drugs to help them cope with their feelings, but they find themselves unable to stop once they start using them.

Key Factors to Consider to Prevent Drug Abuse in College Students

With the increasing drug abuse among college students, it is important to consider key factors that can help you increase your chance of preventing drugs. One of the key factors to consider is how well your college handles drug abuse. If your college has a good student support system, then it will be easier for you to prevent drugs.

College students are the most vulnerable group when it comes to drug abuse. They have easy access to drugs and often lack a set of guidelines on how to use them. This is why it’s important to prevent drug use. This can be achieved by creating a strong community within the college, providing guidance, and monitoring students’ social media activities.

How to Staying Healthy and Avoid Drugs as a College Student

College is a time of transition, so it is important to be proactive in your health. There are many factors that can influence your health, including how much you sleep, what you eat, and how often you exercise.

To aim to be a more healthy college student and avoid turning to drugs, it’s important to stay hydrated, eat healthy, aim to sleep well, and exercise where you can. Not only that but, having a strong support network will help you, too. Turning to your college for answers can be a great idea. In this article, 10 Warning Signs Of Drug Addiction In College Students, we have covered some of the indicators to look out for.

If you’re looking for treatment for yourself, a friend, or a loved one, Louisville Addiction Treatment Center and our Impact Outpatient Program can help.

Download this article

Our Latest Posts

How Can I Get Checked-In Anonymously To An Addiction Treatment Center?

Seeking help for an addiction can be difficult, but admitting you have an addiction in the first place can be even tougher. Everyone who seeks help for their addiction has to go through the process of admitting they need help, which isn’t always easy to do. While...

What to Know Before Asking for Time Off Work for Addiction Treatment

You can get the addiction treatment you need and still keep your job. In fact, your employer may be very supportive of the process.  After all, if you’re a good employee, they’ll want to hold on to you. That said,...

Intensive Outpatient Drug Treatment In Louisville

When you need support to overcome drug and alcohol addiction but also want to keep living your normal life without lengthy stays in rehab, intensive outpatient drug treatment in Louisville is the answer. By providing the best of both worlds, our team of friendly and...

Outpatient Drug Treatment In Louisville

Although an inpatient residential treatment program will often be the best course of action when it comes to severe substance addiction, this is not going to be necessary for everyone. Those who have a mild substance abuse problem with alcohol or drugs may well...

Maximizing the Benefits of Individualized Treatment for Addiction Recovery

Individualized treatment for addiction recovery is one of the most beneficial and essential methods for achieving long-term sobriety. This approach emphasizes tailoring care to each person’s unique needs, preferences, values, strengths, circumstances and life...

Supporting Healthy Coping Strategies to Address Comorbid Conditions

Living with multiple conditions or illnesses can be both challenging and overwhelming. Comorbidity, the simultaneous presence of two chronic diseases or conditions in an individual, is a growing concern that has seen an increase among those aged 65 and older as well...

Investigating Different Types of Interventions to Support Addiction Recovery

Living with an addiction can be a long, chaotic journey. It’s a struggle that is often compounded by the hardships of everyday life – lack of employment opportunities, financial stressors, family issues, and more. While each person's experience is unique and...

Tackling Co-Occurring Disorders: How to Manage Both Mental Health Issues and Benzodiazepine Dependency

Co-occurring disorders where a mental health issue and substance abuse occur at the same time present a unique and complex challenge. This also goes for benzodiazepine dependency and mental health issues. Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are a group of drugs that slow down...

10 Pros and Cons of Outpatient Program Treatments for Addiction Abuse

There are two main options when it comes to addiction treatment - inpatient or residential programs or outpatient programs. The main difference between the two is that residential treatment involves residing 24/7 at the treatment facility while outpatient programs...

Examining the Role of Medication-Assisted Therapy in Rehabilitation Treatment

The use of medication-assisted therapy (MAT) in addiction rehabilitation has been increasing over the years as a way to manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and facilitate treatment success. This approach combines behavioral therapies with medications to help...

Our Video’s

Call Now Button