College and university students in Canada are no stranger to drugs. According to a recent CPADS study, post-secondary students consume drugs at higher levels than the general population. There is not one certain substance that is most popular on college campuses. But students are using different types of drugs for different purposes. We take a look at three different types of drugs being used on college campuses- study drugs like Adderall, recreational drugs like cannabis and party drugs like cocaine and molly.
Study drugs like Adderall have become hugely popular on college campuses as the exam season drug. Dan Pham, a Western University students says, “I started using it for school use and I found it to be beneficial for studies and staying focused.”Adderall is not a hard drug to find on college or university campuses in Canada. “It’s really really common, you can get one for seven dollars or maybe ten,” said Dan.
This exam season drug has several side effects like loss of appetite, dizziness, insomnia, etc.
Cannabis is one the most common drug around the world. It’s the most popular recreational drug in Canada by far especially since the legalization. The drug has several medical benefits too.
Ryan Kelly, owner of MyCannaClinic in London has some advice for students who use weed as a recreational drug. “The best thing you can do (to use cannabis safely) is be open minded. Be sure of yourselves and be sure of where your supply is coming from, do your best to take these precautions and educate yourself before use. Everything is good in moderation especially recreational cannabis but please use responsibly.”
Party drugs are very common in college parties. Drugs like cocaine and molly are among the most dangerous drugs because of how addictive they are. Justin Green, a Fanshawe student shared his experience of using cocaine , “It started off as once a blue moon, I started doing cocaine for pretty much every special event, I couldn’t go anywhere that was fun without cocaine.” Justin got addicted and had to go rehab to turn out clean.
The effects of such drugs can be extreme. Diana Rank, who works in the rehab department of the Salvation Army said on cocaine’s side effects, “It instantly increases your heart rate, it effects the brain, there is an increased risk of heart attack, longe term- a lot of people develop holes in their nasal cavities, their voice becomes hard, they can develop Asthma, chest pain, once someone becomes really addicted they choose cocaine over sleeping or eating so they go days on what they call a run.”
Diana also said that moving from alcohol and weed to hard drugs like cocaine and Molly is totally different step and can ruin lives. She emphasized the importance of moderation and control when using drugs and when trying to move away from drugs.
Drug culture on college campuses might or might not slow down. But it’s every important for people to be aware of the effects of the drugs they are consuming. And as the experts say, moderation is key.
