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Symptoms of Drug Abuse in College Students

Drug abuse in college students is not always obvious. Students won't willingly admit to having a drug problem and will often go to great lengths to conceal it. Hints of drug abuse can be discovered if you know what to look for. Most of these warning signs are things the student can't hide and doesn't realize other people can notice. These indicators usually involve the student's appearance as well as behavior and activities. Knowing the symptoms can help you identify whether a college student has a drug abuse problem.

  1. Physical Signs

    • Drug abuse sometimes leads to changes in appetite that can result in drastic weight loss or gain. These poor eating habits can also lead to malnutrition, which causes conditions such as dental problems and hair loss. Different drugs produce different physical effects on the body, according to the Narconon website. Drugs such as heroin and opiates can lead to slurred speech and a lack of animation. Stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine cause nervousness and irritability. Hallucinogens such as acid and LSD cause excessive sweating and foul body odor. Drugs such as marijuana often cause bloodshot eyes, overeating and lethargy.

    Changes in Behavior

    • A common symptom of drug abuse in college students is a change in behavior, according to the American Council for Drug Education website. Some of these changes are often sudden and drastic. They can include a sudden change of friends or a withdrawal from family or relationships. Drug abuse can also cause a sudden loss of interest in hobbies or activities. Personality often changes during drug abuse, and a person who used to be open and friendly can suddenly become closed off, moody, angry and defensive for no apparent reason. Other symptoms can include paranoia, oversensitivity, secretive behavior, excessive need for privacy and chronic dishonesty.

    Performance Issues

    • Drug abuse can have a negative impact on a college student's performance at school or work, according to the American Council for Drug Education website. Drug users are often too preoccupied with their drug use, or too sick from the drugs, to study, to go to school regularly or to complete school work. As a result, their grades often drop and they might have attendance problems. College students often work part-time jobs to pay for books, tuition or basic living expenses, and drug abuse can lead to poor performance at work and firing or suspension.

    Legal Problems

    • Drug abuse can also lead college students to illegal or dangerous behaviors and situations. Frequent or major car accidents are a sign of possible alcohol problems in college students, but they can also be a sign of drug abuse as well, according to the American Council for Drug Education. Drugs impair the student's ability to think clearly and react accordingly, and they can lead to serious accidents or a string of minor accidents such as fender-benders or hitting parked cars. Legal problems that are a sign of possible drug abuse include frequent arrests for fighting or disturbing the peace.

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