Previously on this blog, we discussed a widely publicized issue facing many families in America today: Prescription pill abuse among teenagers. We noted steps that parents and other family members can take to potentially prevent this abuse and when you should consider calling a drug treatment center for help.
Today, we'll address another grave issue that can be seen as an extension of teen prescription abuse: The misuse of these medications among college students.
Drug abuse on college campuses has been a part of the national news cycle since as early as 2005, when The New York Times reported on a growing dependence on adderall among high-achieving students at Columbia University and other prestigious institutions. As we've touched on in past posts, it is crucial for families to recognize that there is no strict "mold" for abusers, as even teenagers and young adults who are succeeding on paper may be relying on illicit substances to meet the demands of a heavy workload.
College is often a time of overwhelming transition and high stress, when 18-year-olds are taken out of their comfort zones and exposed to people – and, often, substances – they may never have encountered. With this in mind, it's clear why even the most straight-laced students may be enticed to experiment with prescriptions. In response to this trend, the National Council on Patient Information and Education released a toolkit for parents and educators on prescription pill use on campus.
According to the source, individuals between 18 and 22 years old who are enrolled in university full-time are approximately twice as likely to misuse stimulants than peers those who aren't in college or are just part-time students. In many instances, students may not be aware that their reliance on these medications qualifies as substance abuse, or the dangers that could arise from it.
If you suspect that your child may be abusing prescription medication, nothing is more important than getting help. Contact Fairwinds Treatment Center today to learn more about warning signs and what your family can do to support your loved one in this time of need.
