Treating Addiction in College

Each person’s journey of drug and alcohol addiction is unique. Some turn to alcohol or drugs because they are battling past trauma or disorders, some experiment with drugs because they are simply curious, and some succumb to harmful substance after intense peer pressure.

Regardless of the reason, many individuals’ stories of drug addiction start during the high school and college years. Living away from home for the first time and the accessibility of drugs and alcohol both greatly contribute to this reality.

If you or a loved one is battling substance abuse during college, here are a few important points you should know.

Common Types of Addictions During College

While any type of substance addiction could surface in young adulthood, a few types of addiction are more popular than others with college students.

• Alcohol Addiction– The party culture that is integrated into the university lifestyle is largely responsible for the development of alcoholism in young adults.
• Adderall – Many students face immense pressure to maintain their grades to keep scholarships and improve career opportunities. This pressure can lead to use – and abuse – of drugs that help with focus, such as Adderall, also known as Addys.
• Ecstasy – Although many claim ecstasy is not addictive, this drug does in fact have an addictive quality that can cause insomnia and depression during withdrawals.
• Benzodiazepines – This category of drugs – which includes anti-anxiety and stress pills such as Valium, Xanax, Diazepam and Klonopin – has become popular among college students due to the high pressures they face at school.

Learn more about common drug addictions.

Co-Occurring Disorders

A co-occurring disorder is a behavior and/or mental disorder that often coincides with an individual’s drug or alcohol addiction. Common ones faced by young people include:

• Eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia
• Mental illness like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia (both of which often surface in college-aged students)
• Anxiety and depression

When treating an individual at our Denver area drug rehab, it is crucial to also identify any co-occurring disorders or past events that have led to the addiction. By approaching drug addiction from a holistic perspective, the individual will receive more comprehensive and effective treatment.

Dealing with Drug Detox

The first step to treating a drug addiction or alcohol addiction is detox, a step that should be taken very seriously. With many types of substances – such as ecstasy, cocaine, Benzodiazepines, heroin, among several others – the withdrawal phase can be extremely difficult and even deadly. Detoxes need to be executed by medical professionals and carried out with extreme precision and heavily monitored. Our professionals at Choice House are licensed to aid in this process.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol or drug abuse during any phase of life, learn how our Denver area recovery programs help individuals reclaim their lives.