Substance Abuse Rising on College Campuses

The college experience does not begin and end with the classroom.  Part of the college experience is socializing, participating in campus activities, joining a sorority or fraternity, as well as partying. But according to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA), the partying atmosphere at college campuses may be getting out of control.  The organization released a 231-page report last month detailing the rise in drinking and drug abuse at college campuses nationwide. 

The report, titled Wasting the Best and the Brightest:  Substance Abuse at America’s Colleges and Universities, stated that 3.8 million full-time college students binge drink and/or abuse prescription and illegal drugs. The report also cited that 1.8 million full-time students meet the medical criteria for substance abuse and dependence, which is two and one half times more than the general population who meet the same criteria.  In the CASA’s press release for Wasting the Best and the Brightest, Joseph A. Calfiano, president and chairman for the CASA, said, “It’s time to take the ‘high’ out of higher education.  Under any circumstances acceptance by administrators, trustees, professors, and parents of this college culture of alcohol and drug abuse is inexcusable.” 

The CASA’s report is a compilation of over four years of research and other methodology.  The press release states that this report is the “most extensive examination ever undertaken” regarding the problem of substance abuse that occurs on college campuses within the United States.  Although findings showed that from 1993 to 2005 there was no decline in the proportion of students who drink, the increase occurred in the intensity of excessive drinking and drug abuse.  The report found that between the years of 1993 and 2005: 

• The proportion of students who binge drink rose 16 percent, students who get drunk at least three times a month rose 25 percent, and students who drink to get drunk rose 21 percent.
• The proportion of students that abuse prescription drugs also rose with the highest percentage increase shown in the use of tranquilizers such as Xanax and Valium.
• The proportion of students that abuse illegal drugs, marijuana excluded rose 52 percent.  The daily use of marijuana doubled. 

Another relevant finding from the report stated members of fraternities and sororities have higher percentage rates of binge drinking, drinking, drinking and driving while intoxicated, and using illegal substances than non-members.  Thirty-seven percent of college students are prevented from seeking help because of fear that a social stigma will be attached.  There was also a higher percentage of sexual intercourse between students who use illegal drugs than those who do not.   

The CASA reports that the problem stems from the idea that using drugs while in college is a rite of passage, which makes it difficult for college administrators to overcome this perception and combat the issue. Calfiano says that “by failing to become part of the solution, these Pontius Pilate presidents and parents, deans, trustees, and alumni have become part of the problem.  Their acceptance of the status quo of rampant alcohol and other drug abuse puts the best and the brightest and the nation’s future in harm’s way.”  The CASA however does propose to try to offer a solution, 10 as a matter of fact.  The CASA’s website, www.casacolumbia.org, cites 10 key actions that will assist in the prevention and reduction of the substance abuse issue facing the nation’s colleges: 

• Set clear substance use policies and consequences of violations.
• Ban smoking; prohibit alcohol and tobacco ads, sponsorships and promotions on campus; ban alcohol in dorms, in most common areas, at on-campus student parties and at college sporting events.
• Screen all students for substance abuse problems; target high-risk students and times; provide needed interventions and treatment.
• Hold student classes and exams Monday through Friday to reduce weekend substance abuse.
• Educate faculty, staff, students, parents and alumni about substance abuse and involve them in prevention activities.
• Engage students in service learning courses and community service.
• Offer substance-free recreational opportunities.
• Include in the academic curricula information about substance abuse and addiction.
• Engage community partners in prevention, enforcement, interventions and treatment. Monitor rates and consequences of student substance use and evaluate and improve programs and services. 

Since the release of the report, there has been no national response from colleges offering solutions to combat the issue.  Steps to thwart this problem are being done by the colleges individually.   

College itself is a rite of passage.  It is the passing from a teenager into young adulthood while developing the skills that he/she will take with them as they go off into world to find the path that ultimately leads to their destiny.  Because the use of alcohol and drugs has been considered a customary part of the college experience, it may be difficult for parents, alumni, and professors to develop a “do as I say not as I did” approach. 

However, if the excessive use of drinking and drugs is beginning to overshadow the entire college experience, then maybe it is time for parents, alumni, and college faculty begin to take the steps to change the perception of what the college experience really is. 

Source:  www.casacolumbia.org

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