Photo by Hal Gatewood on Unsplash
As parents, we never stop worrying about our kids — even when they go off to college. We may celebrate an empty nest at first, but we remain concerned for their happiness, well-being, and safety. Sometimes, our concerns are justified.
College is a time of many firsts. Our college students are adjusting to new surroundings, establishing a circle of friends, and are responsible for their coursework and feeding themselves. Unfortunately, they may also experiment with drugs.
According to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 9% of college students drink alcohol for the first time during their college years. Additionally, 6% of college students use an illicit drug for the first time, most commonly marijuana, followed by hallucinogens and prescription opioids used non-medically. Further, kids who began experimenting with drugs and alcohol in high school often have greater access in college.
Not everyone who uses alcohol or an illicit drug will develop addiction, which is also called substance use disorder by the medical community. However, using an illicit drug even once can be fatal if it contains high doses of deadly substances like fentanyl or heroin. In 2017, there were 1,269 overdose deaths involving an opioid in the state of Tennessee — a rate of nearly 20 deaths per 100,000 persons.
So how do parents know if their college student may be in trouble?
The holiday break is often the first time we parents get to spend with our college students since leaving home. We are naturally on the lookout for any signs about how they are doing. However, since many of the common warning signs of substance use are also characteristic behaviors of teenagers — such as low motivation and moodiness — it can be difficult for parents to detect a problem.
There are, however, some unique signs that may signal substance use disorder or abuse of illicit drugs:
Uncharacteristic behaviors – People who are trying to hide their drug use will often do things that seem out of the ordinary to the people who know them best. For example, they may start hanging out with new friends while dropping established friendships. They may begin to tell lies about where they are going and who they are with. Cell phone conversations may become unusually secretive, and in severe situations, money or prescription medications may disappear without explanation.
Personality changes – Because drugs alter a person’s mental state, they can affect a person’s mood and how they act. For example, a usually considerate person may become disrespectful — especially to authority figures. Young people may react irrationally when confronted by a parent, even about something simple such as spending time with family. Inappropriate responses are especially common when someone is experiencing withdrawal from not using drugs.
Changes in appearance – Noticeable signs of illicit drug abuse can include bloodshot eyes, abnormally big or small pupils, track marks on the arms from injecting drugs, or a runny nose from inhaling drugs. Other signs may be less obvious — poor body hygiene and unexplained weight loss or weight gain. These symptoms can be difficult to distinguish from normal changes experienced by college students.
What should parents do if they suspect a problem?
The first step is to talk to your child. Ask them to explain any warning signs you’ve observed. Talk to them when they return from hanging out with friends. If they admit to using alcohol or illicit drugs, try to uncover what they are using and how much to determine what kind of problem might exist.
Substance use disorder is a progressive disease, meaning it worsens over time if untreated. The good news is that there are effective and evidence-based treatments. If you think your child might have a problem, it is best to take them to see a medical professional. Unfortunately people who have problems with drugs are often resistant to help, which is an effect of the drug’s impact on their mental state. Resistance is often a sign that someone does, in fact, have a problem.
SAMHSA has a free national helpline to help identify treatment facilities, support groups, and community organizations for people dealing with substance use disorder: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Laura E. Happe, PharmD, MPH, is the author of If You Give an Ox an Oxy (Morgan James Publishing, November 19, 2019), an engaging picture book that educates kids about the dangers of opioid abuse and gives parents the tools to start important discussions about this national crisis. For more information visit laurahappe.com.