College drug use: How parents can keep their children safe
Experts have offered tips to parents and debunked myths regarding drug use among college-age students.
Drug use in young adult students aged 18 to 25 years may be high, according to a news report published in CNN. For instance, these students comprise about 11% of the overall annual drug-related emergency room visits and have the highest percentage of cannabis-related ER visits in the United States.
The experts cited in the piece detailed that even good students and responsible young adults may still try drugs. Parents often have a stereotypical image of a drug dealer; however, most college drug dealers may be peers offering drugs that supposedly help improve sleep, focus or anxiety. These drugs can come in the form of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder stimulants and tetrahydrocannabinol gummy candy.
Cannabis use has become more prevalent among college-age students, according to the experts. In addition, the concentration of THC in cannabis has significantly increased since the 1980s, making it more addictive and leading to withdrawal syndrome in those who attempt to quit.
The experts advised parents to prepare their children for the reality of drug use in college. They recommended that parents supply their children with Narcan spray — designed to reverse the adverse effects of a fentanyl overdose — speak with their children about seeking help for concentration or mental health issues and inform them to undergo counseling to receive prescriptions rather than self-medicating.
Read more: CNN
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