5 Most Commonly Abused Drugs On College Campuses in Florida

One of the most prevalent venues to buy, sell, and use drugs are in college. Many young adults see college as their first real chance to explore interests and passions independently of their parents. Sadly, this involves acting recklessly without considering the actual risks. Abuse of various narcotics on college campuses has grown by more than three times, likely resulting in long-term tolerance and addiction. Therefore, there have been many measures put in place to prevent college students from taking drugs. This problem, however, can’t be solved overnight. So, today we present you with more information on the most commonly abused drugs on college campuses in Florida and how you can help your loved one receive the treatment they need.

Top 5 most commonly abused drugs on college campuses in Florida

Too many young adults develop drug dependencies in college, and those problems persist far into adulthood. This isn’t always how things have to go. If you or a loved one are seeking addiction treatment, there are numerous addiction solutions Florida available. No matter what drug you’re addicted to, or if it is perhaps more than one. These are some of the most commonly abused drugs on college campuses in Florida. If you are actively taking any of them and you or someone you know needs help, feel free to reach out to us.

1. Alcohol

Around ten percent of full-time college students between the ages of eighteen and twenty-two reported having their first alcoholic beverage during the preceding 12 months. Because of its widespread social acceptability, alcohol is by far the most often misused substance on college campuses. Stories of drunken college students wreaking mayhem are commonplace. In most cases, alcoholic beverages are present during a college party, and establishments located in close proximity to campuses are sometimes referred to as “college bars.” To consume alcohol legally, a student must be 21 or older; nevertheless, the average first-year college student is just 18 years old.

On college campuses, binge drinking has spread to many different contexts, from athletic events and parties to hazing. Alcohol poisoning, which can result from binge drinking, is a serious health risk that can even be fatal.

2. Marijuana

Nearly half of all university students have used marijuana. Marijuana, while being illegal in many places, has been the most widely used drug in the United States for decades. A variety of slang terms, including “Mary Jane,” “bud,” “grass,” and “weed,” circulate on campus. Movies aimed at college students, like “Pineapple Express,” show marijuana strains with colorful names and present them as harmless party drugs. As a result of the widespread and incorrect belief that marijuana is safe, its use is widespread among college students.

Marijuana, while widely used as a recreational drug and as a social accessory, has serious physiological repercussions. Even if it is physically impossible to overdose on the substance, college students have been negatively impacted because of the damage that negligence created by the high of the drug has produced, such as driving under the influence or injuries from lack of judgment. Additionally, it is not uncommon for these activities to induce a sleep-like condition, postponing the importance of tasks like homework and studying until the next day.

3. Prescription medicine

More than sixty percent of kids having a prescription for ADHD medicine were discovered to be giving it to other students who did not have such a prescription. Many students find it increasingly challenging to maintain concentration and complete coursework as they advance through college. On college campuses, stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin are widely available and often overused. The purpose of these medications is to eliminate mental and environmental disturbances so that you can study and remember what you’ve learned. In the days leading up to exams, many students desperately search for study aids. Some even sell them to make a profit.

Selling Adderall or Ritalin carries a potential 10-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $10,000. Adderall’s popularity keeps growing, and with an average selling price of $3-$15 per tablet, college students may make a substantial sum of money despite the various legal hazards involved. If you or someone you know has a problem with Adderall addiction, make it’s a good idea to suggest Adderall addiction treatment and try to persuade them into it.

4. Ecstasy

Since ecstasy became the preferred “club drug” during 24-hour raves, the number of people who end up in the emergency department as a result of using it has soared by more than 1,200%. The most common “rave drug” is Ecstasy, and its usage has increased alongside the popularity of raves and festivals. At regular club nights and home parties, alcohol is the drug of choice, but at music festivals and raves, ecstasy is often the drug of choice. Users report that listening to music while on the medication heightens their experience. Ecstasy use at music festivals is becoming as commonplace as alcohol consumption at campus watering holes. However, the drug’s drawbacks might be severe in some cases.

During “peaking,” the peak of an ecstasy high, the user’s brain releases an enormous amount of dopamine. It makes you feel an incredible amount of joy. After the benefits have worn off, this naturally declines, prompting the user to take more. Unfortunately, increasing one’s tolerance to the drug’s effects during withdrawal will only leave one’s body in a condition of acute discomfort and illness. Because of how quickly and thoroughly ecstasy depletes the body of natural “feel-good hormones,” many users report feeling extremely depressed in the days following usage. There’s a risk of self-harm when one’s despair reaches this point. Indeed, many people who regularly take ecstasy call the Tuesday following a heavy weekend of use “suicide Tuesday.”

5. Cocaine

According to one survey, 69% of cocaine users first used the drug after enrolling in college. The percentage of people who have ever used cocaine more than quadrupled from year 1 to year 4; in that period, it went from 4% to 13% of the population.

Coke’s ascent to prominence and prevalence mirrors that of ecstasy. Using or possessing cocaine is against the law in the United States because of its extreme addictiveness and widespread criminalization. Originating in South America with the coca plant, cocaine is represented as the drug of choice for the wealthy due to its high price and euphoric benefits. Despite its high price, many college students appear eager to obtain it. It’s a great way to amp up the party vibes, but it may do some serious harm to your brain after repeated usage. One in four people who use cocaine will develop an addiction at some point, ruining their lives and their goals. If someone you know has had quite a few encounters with cocaine, prompt them to a crack cocaine rehab facility as soon as possible.

Common indicators of addiction among college students

Recognizing the warning symptoms of drug usage in your college-aged kid can be difficult for any parent. The “party scene” and addiction are so intertwined that even college pals have difficulty telling between the two. Recognizing an addiction is complicated due to the fact that drug use is on the rise among college students, many of whom are “high-functioning.”

Here are some red flags to keep an eye out for:

• A decline in academic performance
• Radical changes in physical appearance
• Pill bottles with no labels.
• Sudden outbursts of violence
• Traffic accidents
• Legal troubles
• Risky sexual behavior
• Skipping college classes
• Severe fatigue and/or excessive drowsiness
• Stagnating memory and inability to concentrate
• Lack of motivation
• Depression
• Isolation

The unforeseen repercussions of addiction among college students

Around 23% of college students are alcoholics or drug addicts. One aspect of addiction in college, beyond the obvious negative outcomes, is mostly unknown. For more than 1,100 students each year, suicide is the second biggest cause of death. Regular drug and alcohol misuse was linked to an increase in student suicides. Suicidal students will often show some of these symptoms:

• Isolation
• Lack of confidence and low sense of self-worth
• Dropping out of school or leaving work
• Estrangement from family and friends

Suicidal ideation is more likely to emerge in a person who is experiencing these problems. Furthermore, substance addiction makes a person more impulsive and decreases their inhibitions. Having these factors converge raises the risk that a person may act on suicidal thoughts and feelings. As much as 45 percent of deaths previously attributed to overdoses may actually be suicides.

How are colleges tackling this issue?

The drug epidemic on college campuses can no longer be ignored, notwithstanding the indifference of certain administrators and faculty members. While the risks of substance usage are addressed on the web pages of certain universities, this is far from sufficient.

There has been a shift recently toward a more proactive mindset on the part of universities. Florida State University, for instance, has started providing student counseling at no cost. Some universities are doing things differently to relieve the stress that students feel about their grades. Exam week can be stressful, but some students find relief through massages, puppies, and dance parties.

Fortunately, institutions of higher education across the country are making strides to remove the stigma associated with mental health by providing students with access to free counseling, addressing the realities of mental illness, and demonstrating alternative methods for managing emotional distress that does not involve substance abuse.

On and off-campus treatment options

Substance abuse can be a major problem for college students, who may not realize they have options for getting treatment. For students with less severe addiction issues, several universities provide access to on-campus treatment programs. These make it possible for unwell children to continue their regular school schedules while receiving medical care.

Some students, however, could do better with off-campus care. When there are constant triggers in one’s environment, it might be challenging to make progress in treating addiction. There is a common misconception that taking a semester off from school can hinder a student’s future employment prospects, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. The truth is that seeking assistance for an addiction is the smartest move you can make for your professional future. The greatest thing you can do for yourself is to take a semester out of school to check into a treatment center and get help for your addiction.

What is the best insurance program for alcohol and drug rehabilitation?

In the United States, only a small percentage of people with alcohol and drug issues receive treatment. Several difficulties may obstruct or prevent someone from accessing drug misuse treatment services. One of the most common barriers to therapy is the expense. Drug rehab is a long-term treatment program that frequently includes inpatient care. Many insurance policies, however, cover both alcohol and drug treatment.

• FMLA: The Family and Medical Leave Act was enacted by the United States government in 1993. The law’s primary goal was to strike a balance between the requirements of the contemporary workplace and those of people and families. Is rehab covered under FMLA? Yes, of course.
• Tricare is a comprehensive healthcare program for active-duty military members and their families. These plans cover a wide range of medical services, including mental health treatment. But does Tricare cover rehab? Yes, it does. This program covers nearly 200 medical conditions.
• Aetna: They provide a variety of plans for individuals and families. It provides strong support for mental health care. But does Aetna cover drug rehab as well? Yes. It has devoted considerable resources to it in recent years.
• Cigna: Does Cigna cover alcohol rehab? Cigna offers treatment for both drug and alcohol abuse.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield: This organization offers low-cost comprehensive coverage for a wide range of healthcare services. Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover alcohol rehab? It covers all aspects of health care. Coverage includes treatment for drug addiction, depression therapy, and other disorders.

Final Note

According to the data we have, drug usage is still prevalent among college students. Out of all of these commonly abused drugs on college campuses in Florida, cocaine and ecstasy are the worst. And you should avoid them at all costs. Even if it starts off as harmless experimenting, getting sober is a tough battle. Feel free to get in touch with us at Bright Futures Treatment Center if you have any concerns.