Office of Counseling and Health
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." Fake Xanax, Oxycodone, and Adderall can be laced with fentanyl and cause overdoses, and they're making their way onto college campuses.
  • 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.

Harm Reduction Supplies on Campus

Harm reduction is based on the principle that reduces the negative consequences associated with drug use. This approach aims to reduce the stigma attached to addiction and encourages substance use education over shame. Examples of harm reduction include safe injection sites, drug testing strips, and Naloxone training.

What is Naloxone?

Naloxone is an easy-to-use and safe medication that reverses opioid overdoses. An opioid overdose occurs when someone takes more opioids than their body can handle, and their breathing slows to a stop. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, temporarily blocks the effect of opioids and helps the person to start breathing again. Once Naloxone is administered, 911 must be called to provide medical assistance and prevent the individual from overdosing again. Naloxone is available in intranasal and intramuscular forms.

What are Drug Testing Strips?

Drug testing strips are useful for people who use drugs to test if what they are ingesting are free from more high-risk and dangerous substances. The tests are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of Fentanyl or Xylazine in different kinds of drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, etc.) and drug forms (pills, powder, and injectables). Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid, and Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer that can cause extreme sedation in humans. These drugs both increase the risk of overdose and death, and using drug test strips can detect if your drugs carry that risk.

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.