College is supposed to be a time of learning, fun, and overall growth for the young people that attended these higher learning institutions in New Jersey. Unfortunately, the pressures presented to many of the students through the stress of their classes and the partying ways of their peers have driven many to become dependent on alcohol and drugs. 

Many students would scoff if told that they have a problem, brushing it off as just fun and saying that everyone is doing it. This mentality among college students contributes to the problem that’s plaguing campuses around the nation. 

While these students will say it’s for fun, it will negatively affect their school lives along with their personal and social lives. Here are the negative effects that college students experience when they abuse drugs.

The most obvious effect that students see when they have a drug abuse problem is the decrease in academic performance. Their grades go down due to lack of focus on homework outside of the classroom. For some students, they may come to class high or drunk which makes it impossible to learn what is being taught in class. Others won’t even show up for their courses as they’re experiencing hangovers or rather get high than learn. 

A serious substance abuse problem can eventually lead to death. Each year, over a thousand college students die due to overdosing and other drug- and alcohol-related injuries. While you may be sure that you or your loved-one would never overdose, you can still experience negative psychological and physical effects of being dependent on drugs and alcohol. Certain drugs can cause brain dysfunction and mess with your senses, emotions, and perceptions, especially unregulated narcotics. These drugs can also contribute to mental health disorders like depression Other drugs can cause damage to your organ and can even cause organs to shut down.  

Drug abuse among college students can also have a negative effect on their financial situation. Not only do you have to worry about student loans, but also the money that you spend on illegal substances. Often young people, and addicts, in general, will find a way to justify their purchase even when they have no money to really spend. They’ll skip purchasing food or buying the books they need to get a fix. It’s not something that they do consciously; it’s all a part of their sickness. 

College students can also face legal problems due to their drug abuse issues. All students run the risk of getting caught with drugs or alcohol in their possession. Some colleges are kind enough to let students off with a warning. Others will serve punishments that are a lot worse. You could lose your financial aid or be suspended or expelled. The illegal use of drugs is also a federal crime, so if you’re caught you can be arrested. Each case depends on the many varying factors that are just too risky to take a chance on. 

If you’re looking to help loved ones with their recovery from their drug addiction in NJ, there are a few steps that you need to take. First, you want to speak with them about their problem. It’s important they choose rehab on their own; being forced into rehab means they’ll have a greater chance of relapse when they’re released. You want to present them with facts about their addiction to show that your concern is based on facts not just emotions. You then want to determine with them the best way to approach their illness.

You can start them off small with group therapy. If they’re comfortable in group therapy, they can start off with cognitive behavioral therapy. If these approaches do not work, broach the topic of rehab, sober houses, college recovery centers, or inpatient facilities. These can be used as more long-term solutions to your loved one’s illness, depending on the nature and extent of their illness.