The misuse of substances, such as drugs and alcohol, is a critical issue in higher education. It not only disrupts the academic performance of students but also hampers their personal growth and professional prospects. Both two-year and four-year colleges face unique challenges when addressing substance use among their students. This article dives deeper into the far-reaching consequences, societal implications, and the steps necessary to tackle this pervasive issue.

Patterns of Substance Use in Colleges

Two-year and four-year college students exhibit distinct substance use behaviours. Insights from research reveal that students at two-year colleges are notably more likely to use illegal drugs such as methamphetamines and cocaine. Furthermore, frequent marijuana use is prevalent among this group. By contrast, students in four-year colleges demonstrate a stronger tendency toward alcohol consumption, with binge drinking being a focal concern.

For example, research highlights that students in two-year colleges report nearly triple the rate of methamphetamine consumption compared to their four-year counterparts. Cocaine, although less common, sees higher usage rates in this group as well. Meanwhile, four-year college students report significantly higher instances of binge drinking episodes, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol in social settings, which often results in dangerous intoxication levels. These varying patterns reflect how different institutional environments contribute to substance use behaviours.

The implications are profound for both groups. While the substances of choice may differ, substance misuse leads to similar academic challenges, physical health risks, and severe consequences for personal and professional futures.

How Substance Use Affects Academic Success

The Impact on Two-Year College Students

Students at two-year colleges often come from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds. Many juggle multiple responsibilities, including work and family obligations, while pursuing their education. Substance use, particularly illegal drugs, compounds these challenges.

Data shows that methamphetamine use in the past year alone leads to a 51% higher likelihood of academic dropout among students at two-year colleges. Cocaine use and repeated incidents of drug interference in their daily lives also result in significantly higher rates of educational non-completion. Additionally, students who undergo alcohol abuse treatment face challenges in resuming their studies and maintaining social integration, further reducing their chances of earning a degree or certificate.

For example, a student attending a two-year college while balancing two part-time jobs to cover tuition expenses may turn to illegal substances to cope with stress or fatigue. Over time, this leads to a decrease in academic focus, missed classes, and eventual withdrawal from the programme. These scenarios highlight the vicious cycle of substance misuse and barriers to achievement.

The Impact on Four-Year College Students

At four-year institutions, where residential campuses often have vibrant social cultures, alcohol misuse is a particularly widespread problem. Regular binge drinking and heavy alcohol consumption greatly hinder students’ academic progress. Frequent episodes of intoxication result in poor focus, reduced attendance, and compromised test scores.

Marijuana also has a measurable impact on four-year college students. Studies reveal that habitual marijuana use interferes with essential cognitive functions, such as memory, motivation, and attention, leading to lower academic performance. Students who report using marijuana five or more times a month are significantly less likely to complete their degrees within seven years of enrolment. These individuals often find it difficult to stay committed to their coursework and long-term goals.

Such behaviours are not isolated incidents but rather form broader patterns, leading to a decline in overall performance, strained relationships, and financial instability.

Wider Social and Economic Ramifications of Substance Use

Education plays a central role in determining individuals’ future socio-economic status, professional opportunities, and overall well-being. Failure to complete a degree due to substance misuse limits employment options and perpetuates cycles of social and economic inequality.

For instance, students struggling with substance misuse often face job insecurity, lower wages, and fewer opportunities for career advancement. Employers tend to favour candidates with strong academic credentials, which means that dropping out of college can significantly diminish a person’s prospects. Additionally, substance misuse imposes financial and emotional burdens on families. Struggling students often require increased support, placing strain on those around them.

Community health also suffers. Two-year colleges, which frequently cater to lower-income and underserved populations, bear a disproportionate share of these challenges. When students at these institutions fail to graduate due to drug or alcohol misuse, the broader community loses individuals who could have made significant contributions to the workforce and local economy.

Tackling Substance Use Through Holistic Approaches

Prioritising Prevention in Higher Education

Institutions must take proactive measures to address substance use and its detrimental effects. Educational initiatives are critical, focusing on raising awareness about the risks associated with all forms of drug and alcohol misuse. By cultivating substance-free environments, colleges can enhance students’ focus on academics and personal growth.

Two-year colleges, in particular, need targeted efforts to curb illegal drug use. Establishing stricter policies on campus conduct, improving monitoring systems, and offering peer support programmes can create a safer atmosphere for students. While four-year colleges often have greater resources, they must also address the prevalence of binge drinking and educate students on the cumulative impact of substance misuse over time.

Responding to Changing Drug Policies

The recent decriminalisation and legalisation of marijuana in many regions pose new challenges for higher education institutions. Despite societal shifts normalising marijuana use, its effects on cognition and academic achievement are unequivocal. Colleges should counter the growing acceptance of marijuana with fact-based education campaigns depicting its risks in full detail. This will help ensure students are equipped to make healthier decisions.

Building Sustainable Change

Long-term success in combating substance misuse hinges on creating institutional cultures that promote disciplined, substance-free living. Encouraging supportive networks among peers and faculty, offering mentorship opportunities, and integrating substance-education workshops into orientation programmes will further reinforce these goals.

A Path Towards Substance-Free Educational Success

The evidence is unequivocal—substance misuse has devastating effects on educational outcomes, personal development, and societal progress. Whether at two-year or four-year colleges, students who engage in drugs or alcohol jeopardise their academic futures and their potential contributions to society.

Colleges must rise to the challenge of fostering environments where success can flourish, free from the destructive influence of substances. By prioritising education, awareness, and proactive policies, institutions have an opportunity to pave the way for students to achieve their fullest potential. Together, we can create academic spaces defined by learning, perseverance, and hope for a brighter future.

Source: NCBI