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How Do I Avoid Drug and Alcohol Use While in College?

Last updated on: Monday, 19 June 2023
  • What You'll Learn

Many college students feel pressured to say yes and drink excessively or use drugs. However, plenty of students go to parties and social events and don’t drink or do drugs. Much of the problem starts with the people you choose to associate with. If you are always around people who are partying, drinking, and doing drugs, you will constantly be pressured to participate.

However, if you surround yourself with like-minded people, such as sober individuals, there will not be that pressure to drink and do drugs. People go to college and achieve personal growth and education, and it is time to have fun and socialize. Every college and university in Canada is different, and some have a reputation for being party schools. If drug and alcohol use concerns you, choosing a school based on its current student life should be considered.

Once you get to college, pick the friends you want to hang around with, and do not be afraid to make your sobriety known at parties. If you are offered drugs or alcohol, simply say no and do not give in to peer pressure. Unfortunately, this often happens; students feel obligated and want to fit in and will drink excessively and use drugs to accomplish this. Much of this is setting boundaries with the people you associate with and knowing you can say no and walk away. Most college and university campuses promote sobriety and have student groups that organize sober events. Attending college is not all about partying, drinking, or experimenting with drugs. You will not necessarily avoid it 100%, but you can take responsibility for not putting yourself in situations where you are constantly exposed to it.

CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ARTICLE

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NICKOLAUS HAYES

AUTHOR

More Information

Nickolaus Hayes has been working with Drug Rehab Services for the past ten years. Over the past 15 years, he has remained connected to helping people who have been struggling with addiction. He first started working as an intake counselor at a drug rehabilitation center in 2005. During the five years as an intake counselor, he was able to help hundreds of people find treatment. Nickolaus was also fortunate to be able to work with professional interventionists, traveling across the country performing interventions.