Office of Counseling and Health
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Alcohol & Drug Education Resources

Drug Use and Abuse

Along with the many academic decisions you have to make as a college student (what to study, when to take your classes, how much to party versus studying), there are also difficult decisions you need to make about the use or abuse of drugs (alcohol is discussed in another Self-Help topic). While alcohol can be potentially dangerous on its own, many illegal and legal drugs can contribute to major health problems, academic struggles, and general life dysfunction. We encourage you to review the following information and consider how drug use may impact your life.

Drugs of Choice on College Campuses

Trends change over time, but there are a few substances that are consistently abused among college students. The list below is a non-exhaustive list of some drug used more commonly in college settings. One can become dependent on any drug. Each of these drugs impacts physical and mental wellness in varied ways.

  • Nicotine and Vaping: Vaping nicotine rose sharply in the last three years, according to the 2019 survey from the Monitoring the Future study.
  • Adderall or Other Stimulants: the "study drug."
  • Marijuana: as marijuana becomes legalized in a number of states, more college students are using this as their drug of choice. Despite its legalization, it can have deleterious effects on the user.
  • Prescription Misuse: includes opioids and may include over the counter drugs as well.
  • Party Drugs: including cocaine, LSD, and Ecstasy.

How Can I Get Help?

Depending on the type of drug use, there are many different types of treatments available. For severe drug problems, there are detoxification and medication programs that require the patient to stay either in a hospital or treatment center. There are also programs that provide more intensive outpatient treatment, rather than being in a residential program.

Treatments for less severe problems include individual, family, or couple's therapy. Also, there are many support groups available for drug users and their family members or loved ones. You can schedule an appointment with a counselor at the Counseling Center by calling 215.895.1415.

Other resources include:

Avoiding Drug Problems

  • Drug use and abuse are preventable.
  • Get educated. Know the facts. Once you do, you will realize that it is not worth endangering your career, your health, your relationships, and your future.
  • Avoid peer pressure. Think ahead about how to say "no."
  • Avoid situations where people will be drinking and using drugs. Get involved in non-drinking activities.
  • Confront your problem if you have one.
  • Get help for the underlying problems of family, relationships, anxiety, or depression.
  • Educate others.

How to Talk to Your Friend About Their Drug Use

  • Do NOT try to talk with your friend if he or she is under the influence of a substance. Find the right time and place where there is privacy and all participants are clean and sober.
  • Being honest, direct, and non-judgmental. Express concern for your friend and their well being.
  • Talk about the effect that your friend's usage has on something your friend cares about deeply. Your friend might not be concerned about their own situation, but may care about their impact on those around them.
  • Be aware of some treatment resources, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, or recommend they make an appointment at the Counseling Center. 
  • Anger and defensiveness do not mean that your appropriate expressions of concern are not being heard. If there is no immediate result, the cumulative effect of similar messages over time may eventually lead the person to seek help/make changes.
  • Get your own support as needed.