College life is always full of adventures, but at the same time it is full of pressure. Students, therefore, tend to look for ways to feel comfortable, so they take the time to socialize with their peers. They also resort to certain activities that would easily relieve them of stress, such as smoking, drinking, and sometimes taking drugs. But do these activities really help them meet the challenges of being a college student?
A recent survey conducted at the University of Michigan shows that about one in five American college students frequently take prescription medications to relieve stress. Drugs they use for non-medical reasons include pain relievers (opioids) and sleeping pills. Most college students think these medications are safer than street drugs. Rather, these can be more addictive than cocaine and heroin, according to the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.
In addition to the misuse of prescription drugs, college students are also prone to alcohol abuse. About 2.8 million college students are heavy drinkers of alcohol, according to a 2005 study in the Annual Public Health Review. Nearly two million college students are caught driving under the influence of alcohol, and more than 1,400 cases of alcohol-related deaths among college students are reported each year.
Students seek help from these vices in the hope of feeling better in an instant. This is quite reasonable as they tend to experience academic pressure, enthusiasm from their peers, and occasional depression. But relying on drugs and alcohol to keep them awake and smart doesn’t really help. These vices not only ruin their physical health, but eventually take over their lives.
College students may not know that there are groups and organizations that offer advice and workshops on coping with stress, anxiety, and more. Some of these groups also award scholarships and financial assistance to further help these students with their needs. In addition, scholarships remind students of the priorities they must meet in order to enjoy long-term comfort and satisfaction, not the momentary bliss that vices bring.