I’ve been hit with a wave of “it’s almost time for school to start” – which is weird, given the lack of school on my agenda these days. Maybe my subconscious is telling me I should sign up for a class? Anyways, it seems like every time I turn around I see something about prepping for the upcoming school year and this article in the Wall Street Journal today reminded me of how many different types of challenges incoming students face and why it’s important to think beyond the beer-soaked-college-party stereotype.
Among Americans seeking treatment for substance abuse, no demographic is growing faster than students age 18 to 24. During the decade ended in 2009, treatment providers say the number of students in that age range seeking help more than doubled, compared with a 9% jump in the 25-and-older category, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Most colleges and universities offer few if any services for students trying to get or stay clean and sober.
Left to fend for themselves amid opportunities and pressure to partake, students often drop out or flunk out. College administrators say booze and drug usage plays a role in the 20% dropout rate of among college freshmen.
Born Curious 
I agree that we certainly need more resources for college students struggling with substance abuse. In addition, I also think we need more services for mental health issues on college campuses. Very few non-students understand just how much pressure and how difficult college can be for students. These types of resources would not only make make for well adjusted students, but they would also save countless lives. More important than having these programs is advertising these services to students and collapsing the stigma attached to them.