College life is often a whirlwind of new challenges, independence, and opportunities. However, it also presents risks, especially when it comes to substance misuse and its consequences. Prescription drug misuse, impaired driving, and cannabis use among college students are growing concerns that demand attention. This blog aims to provide insights into these issues, explore their prevalence, highlight their consequences, and offer practical steps to mitigate risks.

What You Should Know About Prescription Drug Misuse Among College Students

Prescription drug misuse is an ongoing issue for college students. Understanding the prevalence and consequences of this behaviour is the first step in addressing it.

Prevalence

• Approximately 3.2% of college students reported non-medical use of prescription drugs (such as stimulants, sedatives, or opioids) within the last three months. This includes 3.5% of men and 2.9% of women.
• College students in 2023 were more likely to misuse prescription stimulants than their peers not in college (3.6% vs. 2.6%).
• Many students misuse stimulants, often called “study drugs,” believing it will enhance their academic performance. However, there is no evidence to suggest that non-medical use of these drugs improves grades.

Consequences

The misuse of prescription drugs can have severe mental, physical, and academic implications:

• Physical impacts can include nausea, drowsiness, rapid or slowed heartbeats, and impaired concentration.
• Psychological risks range from addiction to psychosis, hallucinations, and paranoia.
• For many students, these consequences can hinder their academic performance and overall well-being.

Prevention Tips

Fortunately, practical steps can help prevent prescription drug misuse among students:

• Work with physicians and law enforcement to educate students on the physical, academic, and legal consequences of misuse.
• Faculty and staff should learn to recognise the symptoms of misuse and offer appropriate support by referring students to the right resources.
• For students:
  • Avoid sharing prescribed medication.
  • Dispose of unused or expired medicines correctly visit here for more information.
  • Seek advice from trusted adults such as professors or coaches about concerns related to misuse.

What You Should Know About Impaired Driving Among College Students

Impaired driving isn’t just risky business—it’s a danger to all road users. This section highlights its prevalence, consequences, and actionable steps to prevent it.

Prevalence

Between 2019 and 2023, 16.7% of full-time college students aged 19-22 reported driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other illicit substances in the past two weeks. Specifically:

• 7.4% drove after drinking alcohol.
• 6% drove within six hours of using cannabis.

Consequences

Driving under the influence significantly impairs judgment, motor skills, and reaction time, leading to:

• Higher chances of crashes resulting in injuries or fatalities.
• Legal issues, including fines, license suspension, or imprisonment.

Effects of Various Drugs

• Cannabis reduces reaction time and impairs coordination and judgment of time and distance. Combined with alcohol, cannabis use increases the risk of lane deviation and accidents.
• Cocaine or methamphetamine can encourage reckless and aggressive driving behaviours.
• Prescription medicines like benzodiazepines and opioids may cause drowsiness and hinder cognitive functioning.

By altering perception, attention, and coordination, any drug or substance that affects the brain can disastrously impact driving safety.

Prevention Tips

To combat impaired driving, consider proactive strategies:

• Conduct campus surveys to accurately assess impaired driving habits.
• Discuss the dangers of impaired driving with students and debunk common myths about drug effects.
• Encourage students to plan safe ways to get home from social gatherings, such as appointing designated drivers.
• Collaborate with local law enforcement to track substance use trends and enforce effective strategies.

What You Should Know About Cannabis Use Among College Students

Cannabis use is increasingly common among university students, with legalisation debates and societal trends adding complexities to the issue.

Prevalence

• Daily cannabis use reached 6.3% among college students in 2023.
• Vaping cannabis has grown in popularity, with rates increasing from 10% to 14.2% between 2018 and 2023.

Consequences

Despite its growing acceptance, cannabis use can have serious side effects:

• Mental – Poor memory, difficulty problem-solving, and increased risk of dependence.
• Physical – Higher heart rates and breathing complications.

Edibles present their own risks, as their delayed effects may encourage excessive consumption, potentially resulting in dangerous outcomes. Furthermore, THC levels in cannabis have risen significantly, increasing the likelihood of negative health impacts and addiction.

Legal Status

While cannabis is legal for recreational and medical use in some states, it remains classified as a Schedule I drug under federal law, with no recognised medical use and a high potential for abuse.

Prevention Tips

To counteract the risks of cannabis use:

• Highlight the academic and legal consequences of cannabis consumption to students.
• Screen for usage during student health check-ups to provide timely interventions when needed.
• Work with campus organisations and law enforcement to educate the community about cannabis-related issues.

Building a Safer Campus Environment

The challenges posed by prescription drug misuse, impaired driving, and cannabis use among college students are deeply interconnected. It’s vital for colleges, families, and local communities to tackle these issues with a proactive and collaborative approach.

Students, educators, and parents all have a role to play in fostering a safer and healthier learning environment. By staying informed, supporting open conversations, and encouraging preventive measures, we can actively minimise risks.

For more information about drugged driving and its dangers, visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s resource guide. Together, we can ensure better outcomes—not just for students, but for the broader community.

Source: Campus Drug Prevention