If you were to survey all college graduates in Indiana to ask them what some of their most memorable moments were during their school years, many of them would likely include tales that have to do with parties. In fact, it’s often the more social aspects of a college career that are remembered after graduation. At many schools, socializing on and off campus includes recreational drug and alcohol use. Some say school officials tend to turn blind eyes to binge drinking or marijuana smoking because it’s typical behavior.
There are also issues regarding sororities and fraternities that participate in hazing activities; this is when strenuous, humiliating or daunting tasks (often including drugs or alcohol) are thrust upon those seeking membership as part of their initiation rites. Many readers may be following a current national news story about a group of college students in another state facing serious charges regarding the death of a fellow student after a supposed hazing episode.
What types of drugs and alcohol are most often used?
College students, especially those who are new to a particular school, often want to make good impressions on their classmates. For some reason, substance abuse often plays a role as students try to make friends or join clubs on campus. Following is a list of the most commonly used substances in colleges throughout the nation:
- You might be surprised to learn that college students often use over-the-counter medications to get high.
- Alcohol and marijuana top most lists naming most abused substances during college years.
- There’s been an increase of cocaine use at many schools as well, and also heroin, ecstasy and similar drugs.
- Prescription medication is often a problem for college students. Many prescribed drugs are highly addictive, and students fall prey when they take pills to stay alert and study, to calm their nerves or to reduce anxiety.
Some studies suggest more than five million college students in the United States admit to potentially dangerous activities like illegal drug use and binge drinking at least once per month. Many such incidents lead to legal trouble when police raid a party or club and file drug-related or other criminal charges against college students in attendance. Knowing where to turn for help in such situations is highly important.
When police take college students into custody and charge them with crimes, they typically give them time to notify their families of their whereabouts. Authorities may also contact school administrators if appropriate. The students in question, however, may also want to request a meeting with an experienced criminal attorney who can help build a strong defense to hopefully avoid conviction.
