Addiction and Mental Health Treatment at Lumina Recovery
Addiction Rehab For College Students in the United States
Lumina Recovery offers specialized addiction programs for college students struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health issues. Alcohol abuse and alcohol use disorder are highly prevalent among full-time college students. Nearly 20% of college students meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder, highlighting the widespread impact of alcohol abuse in this population. In many cases, these diagnoses include substance dependence, a clinical term that highlights the severity and complexity of addiction among college students.
Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), further supports this statistic, showing high rates of substance use and binge drinking among college students.
Our compassionate team of addiction specialists is committed to helping young adults overcome addiction and achieve lasting recovery. Our mission is to help young people break free from addiction and thrive in their academic, professional, and personal lives. Many college students are affected by substance use, and having family members with addiction can increase an individual’s risk. We work to help and provide support for US college students healing from drug and alcohol abuse, so they can focus on building their adult lives.
Addiction in College Students
Substance use disorders in students are shockingly common. College students often feel enormous pressure to succeed academically, and they face an increasingly competitive job market after graduation. It’s easy to see why poor academic performance (or any type of struggle during the college years) could lead a student to seek stress relief in alcohol or drug use. Mental health issues like anxiety, depression disorders, and other mental disorders can be prevalent among college students.
Peer pressure to drink alcohol is high on college campuses, and binge drinking can be incredibly common. Participation in activities like Greek life can lead to the assumption that every student is willing to participate in substance use. Some students misuse stimulants like Adderall to stay awake or complete academic work, leading to their nickname as “study buddies.” But misusing or abusing drugs (even legal prescription medications) can lead to a substance use disorder (SUD). No one is “too young” to have an alcohol addiction or substance abuse problem. Using substances can also worsen existing mental health disorders.
Signs of Substance Abuse in College Students
College life can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s not uncommon for students to use substances like alcohol or marijuana to cope with the pressures of academic life and to celebrate their newfound freedom. Recognizing the signs of addiction in college students is essential. These behaviors can have serious consequences for students, including academic setbacks, health problems, and long-term impacts on their well-being. If you notice signs of substance abuse in a college student, it’s important to communicate directly and offer support or guidance toward appropriate resources.
Recognizing the warning signs of substance abuse in college students is crucial to providing timely help and support. Some common signs include:
- Skipping classes: Frequent absence from classes or a noticeable decline in attendance is a possible sign of substance abuse and/or mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression disorders.
- Declining academic performance: A sudden drop in academic performance, missed assignments, or failing grades could be related to an addiction or mental health issue.
- Changes in personal appearance: Neglecting personal hygiene, drastic changes in appearance, or unusual weight loss or gain are possible signs of substance use, especially if you also notice mood changes.
- Lying about drug or alcohol use: Consistent dishonesty about substance use or secretive behavior is a red flag for an SUD.
- Frequently asking for money: Frequent requests for money without a clear explanation of how the money will be used could be a sign of substance abuse, especially if there are other warning signs.
- Noticeable mood changes: Sudden mood swings, increased irritability, or persistent sadness are common in people struggling with substance use disorders. Mood changes could also be a sign of a co-occurring mental health issue.
- Risky behavior: Young people who abuse drugs or alcohol or misuse alcohol are more likely to engage in dangerous activities while under the influence, such as unprotected sex or driving while impaired. Students who misuse alcohol are at increased risk for negative academic and health outcomes, both in the short and long term.
- Dropping out of school: Changing course isn’t uncommon for young people, but suddenly dropping out of school with no explanation could be a sign of addiction in college students if other warning signs accompany it.
It’s important to note that not all addictive substances can cause physical harm, as they can with older people. But there is still a risk of physical damage over time with regular substance abuse.
If you’re seeing these warning signs in someone you love, it’s vital to seek help and support. Behavioral addictions, such as gambling addiction, can also affect college students and may present with similar warning signs.
Common Drug Abuse Among College Students
College students may experiment with various substances, but some drugs are more commonly abused in this age group. These substances include:
- Alcohol: Binge drinking or frequent alcohol use can lead to an SUD. Alcohol use disorders are a common reason students seek treatment, and seeking treatment early is crucial for successful recovery and continuation of their education.
- Marijuana: Cannabis products are one of the most commonly used illicit drugs on campuses, although in some states, it’s now legal for recreational use.
- Prescription Medications: Misuse of prescription drugs, such as opioids and benzodiazepines, is a growing concern.
- Stimulants: Drugs like Adderall and Ritalin are sometimes used to stay awake and enhance academic performance.
- Hallucinogens: Students may occasionally use substances like LSD and magic mushrooms for recreational purposes.
- Cocaine and Amphetamines: These stimulants are sometimes in social settings or to “cram” for exams, since they provide a boost of energy and focus.
- Nicotine: Nicotine addiction, often through vaping or smoking, is also prevalent among college students and can have serious health consequences.
Misuse of these and other substances can have significant consequences for students, including academic issues, health problems, legal issues, and strained relationships. Campus drug prevention programs play a vital role in reducing substance misuse and supporting student well-being through education, resources, and early intervention.
Recognizing the signs of substance abuse and seeking help early can make a substantial difference in preventing further harm and assisting students in finding the support and treatment they need to recover and thrive.
Treatment Options at Lumina Recovery
Students with moderate to severe addictions typically benefit from medically assisted detox, which helps with safe detox and avoiding long-term health consequences. Students with milder addictions often choose our intensive outpatient programs (IOP) or partial hospitalization programs (PHP), also known as day treatment. Outpatient programs offer students the flexibility to continue attending classes during treatment.
Lumina Recovery offers substance abuse treatment at various locations across the United States, as well as telehealth services to reduce the need for travel (and serve those with transportation difficulties). Campus counseling centers can also provide on-campus assessments, therapy, and referrals for students dealing with substance use and mental health issues, supporting student recovery and treatment planning.
Why Choose Lumina Recovery for Addiction Treatment for College Students
Our team understands the unique challenges students face. The combination of newfound freedom, academic stress, peer influence, and easy access to substances makes students more vulnerable to substance abuse. Students may use drugs or alcohol to cope with academic pressure and the stresses of being in a new and unfamiliar environment. And with less parental supervision, college students may feel freer to engage in risky behaviors.
Lumina Recovery helps students break free of addiction and find safer ways of having fun and coping with stress. Our team will tailor a treatment program to address you or your loved one’s specific needs, and we will incorporate harm reduction strategies as part of our supportive approach.
We offer these resources for students (and everyone!) who come to use for help with addiction recovery or dual diagnosis treatment:
Expert Team
Our team of experienced addiction specialists, therapists, and healthcare professionals is dedicated to empowering college students with the tools and resources they need for lasting recovery.
Supportive Environment
We provide a safe and supportive environment with flexible daytime and evening treatment options, so students can focus on their recovery while maintaining their academic goals.
Holistic Approach
Our whole-person approach combines evidence-based therapies, counseling, and life skills training to address the root causes of addiction and help students move forward on a solid footing.
Mental Health Care
Treating co-occurring disorders is vital for successful recovery. Our rehab programs for college students are comprehensive. We address substance abuse issues and mental health concerns together.
Aftercare and Alumni Support
As part of our commitment to a full continuum of care, we prioritize relapse prevention and offer ongoing aftercare programs to help students stay strong in recovery. Our team will connect you with a sober living program, if needed.
Receive Support for Addiction and Mental Health at Lumina Recovery
Our rehab programs for college students empower young people with the tools and resources they need to move forward on a brighter path. We’re not here to judge — we know drug use among college students isn’t uncommon, and that asking for help in overcoming addiction can feel hard or embarrassing. But to seek help is an incredible act of bravery. It’s taking care of substance abuse problems before they affect the future for the worse. To seek help for addiction while attending college is an act of maturity and self-love that’s hard to match.
Contact us today to learn more about our addiction treatment programs for college students. We are here to help you or your loved one take the first steps toward recovery and a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Call Us Today – (877) 716-7515