Commonly Abused Drugs Among College Students April 2013 P urdue U niversity C alumet C ounseling C enter Gyte Room 005 (219)

Substance use and mental health illness In 2011, approximately 8.9% of adults between the ages of 18 and 25 experienced a mental health illness and substance use disorder at the same time. (SAMHSA, 2011)

Tobacco (Nicotine) Nicotine, the substance found in cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco is one of the most addictive substances in the United States. The use of nicotine is also the lead cause of preventable death, disease, and disability in the U.S. Adults experiencing mental health illness or substance use disorder are more likely to smoke cigarettes (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2013).

Tobacco health risks Acute Effects - Increased blood pressure and heart rate Health Risks (long-term) - Chronic lung disease; cardiovascular disease; stroke; cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, cervix, kidney, bladder, and acute myeloid leukemia; adverse pregnancy outcomes; addiction (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2011)

Prescription Drug Use The most commonly abused prescription drugs are opioids, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and stimulants. ▫Opioids-pain relief medication ▫Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines-sedatives or tranquilizers that are prescribed for sleep difficulties and quick release anxiety suppression ▫Psycho-Stimulants-medications that are prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2011)

Prescription drug use health risks Long term abuse of prescription drug medications can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Overdosing (taking more than recommended amount) on prescription medication can lead to respiratory complications or death. Combining alcohol and prescription drug use, as frequently done to cope with emotional pain, can lead to death.

Marijuana (Cannabis) Cannabis, also known as marijuana or hashish, is the most commonly used illegal drug in the U.S. The assumption exists that one cannot become dependent on marijuana, and that using marijuana will not lead to negative effects--- THIS IS A MYTH.

Marijuana health risks Consistent/chronic use of marijuana may lead to an increased susceptibility of respiratory infections, mental health problems (e.g. depression; anxiety; academic and job impairment; relational conflict), and addiction to other drugs. (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2011)

Purdue University Calumet Counseling Center For questions or concerns about alcohol use, or for referrals to mental health and substance abuse treatment facilities in the community, please contact the Purdue University Calumet Counseling Center located in Gyte room 005 at (219) Purdue University Calumet Counseling Center Services at the PUC Counseling Center are kept private and confidential as defined by Indiana state law.

Mental Health and Addictions Resources 211 Information and Referral. Northwest Indiana Community Action Corp. Dial 211 (local residents) or (219) For TTY, dial Provides information and referrals for Northwest Indiana. You may also search the online directory of services.online directory of services Purdue University Calumet Couple and Family Therapy Center East 169 th Street Hammond, IN CFTC offers counseling services on a sliding fee scale based on family size and income. Phone: (219) Website

Behavioral health services locator To find substance abuse and mental health treatment facilities nationwide, visit SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Services locator.SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Services locator You may also contact this locator by phone (available 24/7): ▫ HELP (4357) ▫ (TDD)

References National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2011). Commonly Abused Drugs. Retrieved from Commonly Abused Drugs (PDF)Commonly Abused Drugs (PDF) National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2011). Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs. Retrieved from Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs (PDF) Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs (PDF) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2013). The NSUDH Report: Adults with mental illness or substance use disorder account for 40 percent of all cigarettes smoked. Retrieved from NSDUH Report (March 20, 2013) (PDF)NSDUH Report (March 20, 2013) (PDF) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2011). Results from the national survey on drug use and health: Mental health findings (HHS Publication No ). Retrieved from NSDUH - Mental Health FindingsNSDUH - Mental Health Findings