There is an alarming rate of drug and alcohol addiction amongst many college students. Students are faced with pressure and stress from academic work and as such, they engage themselves in risky behaviors such as the use of harmful substances in a bid to have a balanced academic and social life. Also, substance abuse can reduce timidity and help boost their self-confidence for a short period of time. Some drugs such as stimulants, have the ability to increase energy and enable them stay active and focused in school especially for students who strive for academic excellence.
Addiction to drugs at a young and tender age can increase their risk of emotional, psychological and mental health issues. It is a known fact that alcohol and drug addiction affects the brain, and controls their ability to generate ideas and thoughts naturally. It also controls the ability to make decisions, generate impulses and increase motivation levels. However, abuse of substance with a feeble and undeveloped brain could pose a negative impact on such a brain, and may have severe consequences at later stages.
College students who are addicted to drugs are at risk of poor academic grades even though they experience short term success. The effects seem to wear off and the end-result may be terrible. Students require the ability to focus and also sustaining a healthy mind to achieve unlimited success. They are required to achieve balance academically without any aid or assistance by the use of substance.
Also, addiction to drugs and other substances can have emotional and psychological implications. There are risks of falling into depression and trauma. This can lead them to join and be part of anti-social groups or engage in the act of cultism. By doing so, they become less likely to appreciate and value education.
Some negative tendencies such as theft, truancy, dropping out of school and a disregard for the standards the society has set in place would be evident amongst them. They no longer feel a sense of belonging and there would be a desperate need to feel among while disconnected, and as such, fall into the hands of wrong friends.
In addition, college students spend their time at school to venture into, and enjoy their freedom from home since they are not under the surveillance and close watch by parents, but unfortunately, the new found freedom makes them exposed to things that would have a negative impact on their life.