Anyone who has heard about college, seen it on TV or movies, or has been to college has most likely listened to the drinking stories while at university. The stereotype of being a college kid almost always includes some mention of alcohol. However, according to a new study done by a psychology professor at Texas State University, college kids are no longer partaking in drinking like they used to. While this is good for health, it doesn’t mean they are not participating in the use of other drugs. Instead of alcohol, college kids are now smoking marijuana. Has marijuana become the new alcohol? Why are college students suddenly turning to this drug? What does this mean for addiction statistics?
Dr. Ty Schepis, a psychology professor at Texas State University, has conducted several studies concerning adolescent and young adult addictions. He recently completed a study along with other universities around the country that investigated trends of alcohol and marijuana use among young adults in college.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, of college-age adults in 2018, 30% did not drink any alcohol during the previous year. 60% of this group had also not used marijuana. In 2019, 34% of 18 to 25-year-olds were binge drinking, a lower number than in 2015 (39%). While the numbers show that fewer young adults are drinking at college, there has been a rise in the amount that are smoking marijuana.
The study found that from 2018 to 2019, the percentage of young adults that stated they had used marijuana at least once in the past year rose from 33% to 37%. According to the professor, this is cause for concern because this population also had an increase in illicit drug use, meaning a number of these individuals may need addiction treatment in the future.
There is no clear-cut reason for this spike in numbers, although a few theories have been put forward. One such approach is that usage of alcohol and marijuana is occurring later than before. This stems from the data showing that many college-age students as of 2018 were first-time alcohol users as opposed to previous years.
Another reason the numbers may have risen is that people are more open to trying alcohol and marijuana. Attitudes have shifted, especially concerning marijuana, meaning people are more likely to try it, even if it is just one time. A reason for this could be the new legalization of the drug in several states, both recreationally and medicinally. Because it is now legal in these states, many students believe it is not harmful. This prompts them to try it, opening the door to testing the drug without legal consequences.
The experts that worked on this study have stated this rise in numbers is cause for concern because it could cause a surge in addiction in the coming years. This means more people will need treatment for alcohol or marijuana addiction, leading to health concerns and a growing mental health crisis. This is especially true now that marijuana is becoming legalized in several states, as it is now more readily available. With more young people trying it, there is an increase in the number of addiction rates.
Although there has been a recent surge in marijuana usage among college-age adults, this doesn’t mean that it is a lost cause. Treatment for marijuana addiction has been researched more and more since the drug’s legalization. Facilities across the United States, such as Northstar Transitions, have programs for treating this specific addiction.
Various modalities have proven to be successful, especially those that target co-occurring disorders. One such treatment that is said to treat marijuana addiction successfully is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This form of psychotherapy involves teaching clients how to identify negative behaviors they are partaking in to stop using drugs or alcohol and boost their sense of self-control. Other treatment modalities recommended for treatment include contingency management and motivational enhancement therapy.
Northstar Transitions also believes in experiential therapy, which can help clients learn practical skills to heal. This can include guided meditation, yoga, outdoor activities, acupuncture, and group activities. These, combined with more traditional methods, can provide hope for those struggling in light of this recent surge in marijuana usage.
The stereotype that college kids are always drinking is no longer prevalent in this day and age. New research has found a decrease in young adults drinking, but it has also seen an increase in marijuana usage amongst college students. This is both good and bad, as the decline in drinking is good for health and leads to fewer cases of alcoholism in the future. However, the increase in marijuana usage is cause for concern because it can lead to future dependency and addiction. Luckily, facilities like Northstar Transitions in Colorado have implemented marijuana addiction treatment into their programs. Through the use of traditional and experiential therapies, those that find themselves in a dark spot can have hope for their futures. Our dedicated treatment team helps clients develop critical life skills to build confidence, resilience, and independence as self-sufficient, healthy individuals prepared to take on a future free of substance abuse and addiction. To learn more about marijuana use in 2020 and what treatment looks like, call Northstar Transitions at (303) 558-6400. Your journey to recovery starts with Northstar. You just have to take the first step.
