The recreational abuse of amphetamines (especially prescription drugs like Adderall and Dexedrine) is one of the biggest concerns for college-aged individuals. If your son or daughter is getting ready to go to school, make sure you have the talk with them about these problematic drugs beforehand.
If you believe someone you love is already abusing amphetamines, call 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) today to find treatment options that will help your loved one stop abusing dangerous drugs.
Explain Your Reasons for the Talk
Amphetamine abuse becomes much more likely among those individuals attending college, especially those who are full-time students as opposed to part-time. According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, “Diverted prescription stimulants (mainly, amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine) are second only to marijuana in their popularity with this age group.”
It is important for students going into their first year of college to understand how serious and dangerous the abuse of amphetamines is and how the likelihood of doing so is much higher in their current situation.
Communicate the Risks
Telling your child about amphetamine abuse before they go to college can help keep them safe.
When someone uses amphetamines recreationally, it is usually to enjoy themselves more in a party situation or to push themselves academically or physically toward a specific goal. College students use these drugs for both reasons, and while they may seem like the answer to their problems, the recreational use of these stimulant drugs usually creates more issues than it solves.
As stated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Research has shown that students who abuse prescription stimulants actually have lower GPAs… than those who don’t.” In addition, these drugs can cause a number of physical and psychological side effects when taken in doses high than prescribed.
Stay Calm
When you are discussing this serious topic with your college-aged child, make sure to stay calm at all times in order to let them know this is just a conversation and not an interrogation. If you act suspicious of them or upset before there is reason to be, they may resent this and become frustrated with the situation, which will also make them less likely to listen to you. Staying calm and keeping the dialogue open with your child is the best way to ensure they will be safe while they are away at school.
Promote Honesty
One of the most important things you can do while having this discussion with your son or daughter is to promote honesty. Tell them truthfully that you are concerned about the possibility that they may abuse amphetamines while attending school but that you also trust them to make smart decisions. It can then be very beneficial to let them know that you will be there to listen and help if something does happen.
Prevention is Key; Treatment is the Next Step
It is always better to be able to prevent substance abuse before it happens. However, sometimes this isn’t a possibility, and those who have been using amphetamines recreationally will require treatment.
Call 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) to find safe, reliable treatment options as well as advice for how to help your son or daughter or anyone else in your life with a substance abuse disorder.