By: Ricky Minicozzi

Editor: Hope G

 

Social Media’s influence

In today’s world, social media is a leading influence on our lives. Because of this, our youth are becoming increasingly at risk to being exposed to inappropriate and harmful content. As drugs are becoming more accessible, more young people are experimenting with them.

According to a survey conducted by the Texas College Survey of Substance Use in 2019, while marijuana was still the most commonly used illicit drug among college students, 22% reported misuse of prescription drugs including ADHD and ADD medications. Ritalin was the most commonly abused prescription drug, with about 12% of respondents reporting that they had used it for the feeling it produced. Furthermore, with fentanyl on the rise, the risk of using illicit drugs has skyrocketed, and not only in terms of overdosing.

Addiction

College should be a time of self-discovery, unrestricted potential, enduring friendships, and exploring everything the world offers. But for many college students, the sudden change to their life coupled with every other hardship in college can increase their risk of substance abuse. As more and more college students are experimenting with illegal substances, the rates of addiction also rise. Watch this short video by Filmbilder & Friends that shows a perfect representation of the sad reality for so many people suffering from addiction. 

 

 

If you or someone you know is experiencing addiction, you can reach out to SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. SAMHSA offers free and confidential help from public health agencies to find substance use treatment and information for an area near you.