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Some people may overlook the possibility of addiction among college students because they believe that it is the phase of their lives where they need to enjoy and experiment a lot.

However, some of these students grow up to be adults who might struggle with addiction for the rest of their lives.

Hence, it is imperative to help addicted college students overcome addiction so that they can have a long, healthy, and sober life. 

Counseling

The role of counseling in addiction treatment is quintessential. Counselors provide a crucial support system for college students who are battling different types of addiction. With the right counseling, college students can stay sober and cope healthily with life.

During counseling, the student undergoes evaluation which is important because the assessment and screening will determine the appropriate treatment plan.

Detoxification

Addicted college students might need to undergo detoxification if they are struggling with substance abuse like drug and alcohol abuse.

The essence of detoxification is to eliminate unwanted toxic substances in the body that can cause unpleasant symptoms. These substances are more likely to be dangerous when the individual stays away from their addiction for a long time.

Inpatient or outpatient rehab

Depending on how serious the addiction problem is, the college student might need to receive treatment under close monitoring, or they may still be able to go about their regular duties and come in later for treatment.

Inpatient treatment provides addicted college students with an environment that eliminates the feature of addiction triggers.

While outpatient treatment is for students whose addiction problem is not really serious. They can still attend school and go for treatment, and be effective at both ends.

When it comes to addiction treatment for college students, the long-term goal is sobriety, which can be achieved with aftercare treatment. With aftercare treatment, the student will learn how to apply coping skills to keep addiction triggers at bay.

One of the problems that college administrators, parents, teachers, and guardians have to contend with, is the spread of addiction in their schools. A good number of college students are struggling with addiction, but it may be hard to know unless you look out for the common signs.

Here are some of the signs of addiction in college students

Not regular in classes

You can know if a student is addicted if they keep skipping classes. This is the point where you know that their priorities have changed. They might be more focused on satisfying their addiction instead of going to classes where they may not be attentive.

Poor grades

When a student is addicted to either substances or behaviors, it may be hard for them to get good grades. This is because their regular life may have been disrupted, and they might not reconsider the importance of academics/education at that point in their lives.

Therefore, they may not see the reason to read well, attend classes, and do other important academic activities.

Lack of motivation

Another way to know that a college student is struggling with addiction is when they don’t have the drive or excitement for most activities in school.

Such students may not be interested in what is going on, and it would look obvious that they have other things in mind planned out.

Financial problems

Some college students struggling with addiction may experience financial issues. This is possible when they spend most of their money on funding their addiction. They might complain of financial insolvency and have nothing to show for what they’ve been spending their money on.

If you know a student struggling with addiction, it is important to assist them to get the right treatment help. Getting a solution to their addiction problem is essential before it constitutes unpleasant and negative side effects on their health, and other aspects of their lives.

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.