Drug use among college students is a growing concern. Recent studies have revealed some alarming statistics about the prevalence of drug use in this population, including 43% of college students reporting using an illicit drug within the past year and 22.9% meeting criteria for a substance use disorder (SUD). Marijuana is by far the most commonly used illicit drug, with 38% of college students having used it in the last 12 months. Additionally, research has shown that those who are part of fraternities or sororities are more likely to misuse drugs than their non-Greek peers.
Adderall abuse without prescription is also common among college students; around 9.9% reported misusing Adderall at least once during their time as undergraduates. Similarly, 17.6 % reported using prescription drugs nonmedically while 31 % admitted consuming alcohol and other substances on campus premises – both behaviors being highly discouraged due to potential health risks associated with them . College athletes tend to be less prone to abusing drugs compared to their counterparts but traumatic events can increase one’s risk for opioid misuse which affects 7 percent of all undergraduate student body according to recent data collected from US colleges and universities . Synthetic cannabinoids such as “Spice” or “K2” were found present in 5 , 9 percent cases whereas hallucinogens like LSD had been tried out by 20 percent respondents . Stimulants such as methamphetamine were abused by 5 percent individuals while sedatives including benzodiazepines had been misused by 4 , 4 per cent people respectively . Lastly , tobacco usage was relatively high amongst surveyed participants ; 30 per cent smoked cigarettes regularly whilst 15 per cent vaped e-cigarettes frequently indicating that there exists an urgent need for preventive measures against smoking related diseases especially amongst young adults living away from home environment i .e residence halls where higher rates of substance abuse have been observed when compared off –campus dwellings
College Students Drug Use Statistics Overview
College students who are part of a fraternity or sorority are more likely to use illicit drugs than their non-Greek peers.
This statistic is a crucial piece of information when it comes to understanding college students’ drug use. It highlights the fact that those who are part of a fraternity or sorority are more likely to engage in illicit drug use than their non-Greek peers, and thus provides an important insight into the prevalence of drug use among college students. This information can be used to inform strategies for prevention and intervention, as well as to better understand the motivations and risks associated with drug use in this population.
Around 9.9% of college students have used Adderall without a prescription.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the prevalence of Adderall misuse among college students. It highlights the need for greater awareness and education about the dangers of using Adderall without a prescription, as well as the importance of seeking professional help if students are struggling with academic performance or other issues that may lead to drug misuse.
About 17.6% of college students in the US reported using prescription drugs non-medically.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the prevalence of prescription drug misuse among college students in the US. It highlights the need for greater awareness and education on the dangers of misusing prescription drugs, as well as the need for more effective prevention and intervention strategies.
About 5.9% of college students have nonmedically used sedatives, including benzodiazepines.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the prevalence of nonmedically used sedatives, including benzodiazepines, among college students. It serves as a warning that this type of drug use is not uncommon and should be taken seriously. It also highlights the need for more education and awareness about the dangers of misusing these drugs.
6.3% of college students have used synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., “Spice” or “K2”) in their lifetime.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the prevalence of synthetic cannabinoids among college students. It highlights the need for greater awareness and education about the dangers of these drugs, as well as the need for more effective prevention and intervention strategies. It also serves as a call to action for college administrators, faculty, and staff to take a more proactive role in addressing the issue of drug use on campus.
College students who are involved in athletics have lower drug use rates than their non-athlete peers.
This statistic is a powerful reminder that participation in athletics can be a protective factor against drug use for college students. It highlights the importance of providing students with opportunities to engage in physical activity and sports, as it can have a positive impact on their overall health and well-being. Furthermore, this statistic can be used to inform prevention and intervention strategies for college students who are at risk of drug use.
7% of college students report having abused prescription opioids at some point in their lifetime.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the prevalence of prescription opioid abuse among college students. It highlights the need for increased awareness and education about the dangers of opioid misuse, as well as the need for more resources to help those struggling with addiction. It also serves as a call to action for college administrators, faculty, and students to work together to create a safe and healthy environment for all.
20% of college students have tried hallucinogens (e.g. LSD, psilocybin mushrooms) at least once.
This statistic is a telling indication of the prevalence of hallucinogen use among college students. It highlights the need for further research into the potential risks and benefits of these substances, as well as the need for education and prevention efforts to ensure that students are making informed decisions about their drug use.
About 5% of college students reported the nonmedical use of stimulants, such as methamphetamine, within the past year.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the prevalence of nonmedical stimulant use among college students. It highlights the need for increased awareness and education about the dangers of using these drugs, as well as the need for more resources to help those struggling with addiction.
College students who abuse drugs have lower grade point averages (GPA) than their counterparts.
This statistic is a powerful indicator of the impact that drug abuse can have on college students’ academic performance. It highlights the importance of making sure that college students are aware of the risks associated with drug use and the potential consequences it can have on their academic success. By understanding the correlation between drug abuse and lower GPAs, college students can make more informed decisions about their health and well-being.
4.4% of college students reported misusing prescription sleep medications.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the prevalence of prescription sleep medication misuse among college students. It highlights the need for increased awareness and education about the potential risks associated with misusing these medications. It also serves as a call to action for college administrators, health professionals, and students to work together to reduce the misuse of prescription sleep medications and ensure that students are taking the necessary steps to protect their health and well-being.
13.1% of college students misuse prescription opioids to cope with stress and emotional pain.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the prevalence of prescription opioid misuse among college students. It highlights the need for greater awareness and education about the dangers of misusing opioids, as well as the need for more resources to help students cope with stress and emotional pain in healthier ways.
Tobacco use in college students is relatively high, with 30% reporting cigarette use and 15% reporting current use of electronic cigarettes.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the prevalence of tobacco use among college students. With 30% of students reporting cigarette use and 15% reporting current use of electronic cigarettes, it is clear that this is an issue that needs to be addressed. The health risks associated with tobacco use are well-documented, and it is important to ensure that college students are aware of the dangers of smoking and vaping.
College students living in residence halls have higher rates of drug use compared to those living off-campus.
This statistic is a crucial piece of information when discussing college students’ drug use, as it highlights the fact that those living in residence halls are more likely to engage in drug use than those living off-campus. This indicates that the environment of residence halls may be a contributing factor to the higher rates of drug use among college students. As such, this statistic is an important factor to consider when discussing college students’ drug use and the potential causes of it.
Conclusion
These statistics demonstrate that drug use is a prevalent issue among college students. From marijuana to opioids, many different types of drugs are being used by this population. Additionally, certain factors such as living in residence halls or belonging to fraternities and sororities can increase the likelihood of drug use for college students. It is important for universities and other organizations to be aware of these trends so they can provide resources and support for those who may need it.
References
0. – https://www.www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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2. – https://www.www.tandfonline.com
3. – https://www.link.springer.com
4. – https://www.www.cambridge.org
