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What Drugs Are Abused by Canadian College Students?

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

Cannabis remains the most abused drug in Canada, followed by alcohol and prescription drugs. According to Stats Canada, before the legalization of marijuana, over one in seven Canadians reported using cannabis. It is estimated that around 6% of Canadians use cannabis daily per National Cannabis Survey data. Alcohol use is daily throughout Canada, and around 73% of Canadians aged 15 and older reported consuming alcohol in the past year. Over seven million Canadians are considered heavy drinkers, and around 3% of Canadians reported using illegal drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, hallucinogens, and heroin.

The most common drugs abused on college campuses across Canada are legal drugs, such as alcohol, marijuana, and legal prescriptions. Alcohol abuse is a common problem, and it starts with binge drinking. Binge drinking is consuming five or more drinks in a short timeframe, such as a couple of hours. Binge drinking can lead to other drug problems, such as prescription drugs or illegal substances.

Canadian college students also abuse prescription stimulants, such as Adderall and Ritalin, regularly prescribed to people in this age group. Stimulant abuse is a dangerous problem; these drugs are often used as study drugs. There is a misconception that central nervous system stimulants help you focus and study better. However, abusing drugs while studying affects your short-term memory and memory recall. Moreover, retaining information and then applying the information you have learned becomes difficult. A small percentage of Canadian college students choose to abuse illegal drugs such as cocaine or club drugs, which is also dangerous. If you are struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, finding the correct type of help and treatment is essential. Drug treatment programs in Canada can help college students struggling with addiction.

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.