College students who regularly abuse drugs and alcohol do not see the dangers of their abuse, or perhaps they see or feel the dangers without being fully aware of their consequences. It is necessary for students to be aware of the dangers of abusing drugs and alcohol in order to make the best choices, including leading a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a satisfactory college career.

The Dangers are Serious

To many college students who abuse drugs or alcohol, the most danger they have ever experienced is a night of vomiting after partying too much. Some students may suffer from a hangover the next day and then go on about their business. These students are fortunate, although their thinking after a night of partying can be impaired—unbeknownst to them—for up to 30 days after the fact.

There are greater dangers than experiencing a terrible hangover or a night of nausea. For some students who have a tendency to binge drink, that is consume multiple alcoholic beverages each time they go out, their ability to make smart decisions as well as their ability about where to draw the line may be compromised. Students who abuse both prescription and illegal drugs can also experience impaired thinking. These students are in danger of experiencing an overdose, which can lead to severe impairment and even death. A danger to many female students greater than interrupted studying is date rape or, for male or female students, making unwise decisions and having unprotected sex.

Drug and alcohol abuse can have serious consequences. According to statistics, approximately 29.3 percent of college students report they have been insulted or humiliated during drinking or drug abuse. About 20.1 percent of women had experienced an unwanted sexual advance, and 1.3 percent of women had been the victim of rape or sexual assault. Approximately 9.5 percent of people with drug and alcohol experience report they had been pushed, hit, or otherwise assaulted.

These are certainly sobering statistics about the dangers of abuse. Drugs and alcohol can have a serious and profound impact on both those who abuse the substances and those who don’t – from drunk driving to violence. It is unfortunate that more college students do not stop to consider the dangers of their actions before it is too late.