Stress may tempt college students to try drugs Let’s face it, college students aren’t just studying. During this time in their lives, college students may also be experimenting with many things. We can be naïve and think that the only thing they are experimenting with is their majors, but that’s probably not the case. Some students are also experimenting with drugs and alcohol. For many, it’s the first time they are away from home and they are quickly getting acclimated to their freedom. This casual experimentation can bring about many problems. College students have to juggle a rigorous academic schedule, competitive career paths and extracurricular activities, which can cause a lot of stress. Add to the list personal issues, like trying to fit in and finding yourself, and it can become quite taxing. Without solid coping strategies in place, it is common for college students to be tempted to try drugs and alcohol. For Michael Agana, a 19 year old college student at the University of South Florida, the balancing act was too much for him to handle. He was juggling a full load of engineering classes, joined a fraternity and began to experiment with recreational drugs. Sadly, he died from injuries he sustained from driving under the influence of LSD and marijuana. He was a bright young man with a promising future and it was all lost in a second. Stepping Stone Center understands that this time in your college student’s life is full of new opportunities and also filled with a great deal of stress that may lead to experimentation. Want to know how other parents with children in college are coping? Visit us on Facebook and find out.
