It is irresponsible to deny that drugs have an impact on any college environment. While users would like you to believe that that affect is positive, the fact is that drug abuse presents many physical and psychological hazards to those taking them and has emotional and financial repercussions on the entire community.
It is extremely important for any college campus to be aware of the extent of its own drug environment and to take steps to minimize the effects. This includes directing those with serious drug problems to seek drug rehab. Treatment programs are available for any type of addiction and many programs specialize in the special needs of young adults such as college students.
Physical Signs of Addiction. They also need to be aware of behavioral and emotional signals that someone may need to seek treatment.
A good addiction treatment center that treats college students and other young adults is going to be aware of the specific pressures and situations that lead to college drug use. Many college students begin abusing prescription drugs in order to enhance their performance on tests, in sporting events, or to be able to stay awake to complete class work. Other abuse street drugs in order to escape from the pressures of college life or due to specific family and personal problems.
Treatment will be most effective if it supplements traditional rehab and recovery tools with life skills, personal development, and emotional coping skills while allowing patients to continue with their educational pursuits. Continuing coursework, after the initial period of detox and treatment is completed, can provide a structure and stability to the rehab process. Learning life skills and working on personal and emotional development will better equip students to sustain their recovery once they are back in the real world and exposed to the temptations and stress points that led to their original problems.
Colleges can significantly reduce their campus drug problem by combining a sensible yet visible campaign of prevention and education with a compassionate emphasis on treatment and rehabilitation. However, they also need to realize that when the problems become untenable, they will need to take more direct steps to protect their student body -- up to and including expelling students and/or turning them over to criminal authorities.
