The common drugs abused by students on college campuses in HEIs with reference to Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.

Abstract

Substance abuse among college students remains a significant public health concern, with wide-ranging implications for academic performance, mental health, and social well-being. This paper studies the most commonly abused drugs on college campuses, including alcohol, cannabis, prescription stimulants, nicotine, and recreational substances such as MDMA and cocaine. The review highlights how factors such as peer pressure, stress, social norms, and easy accessibility contribute to substance use among students. Alcohol and Cigarettes are the most frequently used substances, often perceived as socially acceptable and low-risk, while the misuse of prescription medications like Adderall and Xanax is growing due to academic pressures and self-medication. The study emphasizes the importance of targeted prevention strategies, health education, and campus-wide support systems to address and reduce drug misuse among college populations. Understanding the patterns and motivations behind substance abuse is critical to developing effective interventions that promote healthier student lifestyles and academic success.