It is that time of year! Kids are graduating from High School, about to embark on their exciting future! They have spent the last year visiting colleges, testing, studying and applying to colleges. They have narrowed down their choices, and decided on the college that is right for them. Some have had the honor of choosing from several colleges, while others may have only gained admittance to one or two colleges. Regardless of the journey, these kids are on their way to beginning of the rest of their lives.
Is college just about the education? Absolutely not! For many kids, this is the first time they have been out of their parents’ house, and on their own. They will be solely responsible for feeding themselves, getting themselves to class, and making decisions regarding social behaviors. It may not come as a surprise that drug use is very prevalent in college. A study done as recently as 2014 has shown that daily marijuana use is at its highest since 1980, surpassing cigarette smoking. Binge drinking and intoxication are also at a high with college students having a higher incidence of binge drinking (5 or more drinks in a row) then non college students of the same age.
College students are also using prescription drugs for non-medical reasons. In fact, amphetamine use such as Adderall and Ritalin has nearly doubled since 2013. In addition there has been an uptick in cocaine use in college students.
What can do to help your college bound child? Talk to them about the dangers of using drugs and alcohol. Let them know that they can talk to you if they are ever in trouble. Open communication is really the best way to keep your college bound student from making the wrong choices and the wrong decisions. If they do make mistakes, it is so important that they are able to talk to you so that you can help them get the help that they need. There are many addiction treatment programs, counseling and services that you can help your child reach out to if they have a need. College is an important step to growing up, and with your guidance your child can navigate their halls with ease.