Treating Addiction in College Students

College students who use drugs and alcohol may do so for a variety of different reasons. Pressure to perform well in school, an increasing number of responsibilities, peer pressure, unmanaged mental health concerns, increased access to drugs and alcohol, and a family history of addiction are just some of the things that may contribute to substance use disorders in college students. No matter the age of the person, treating addiction in college students matters. It’s crucial that substance abuse in this population isn’t overlooked or regarded as a phase. While you can recover even if you have had a substance use disorder for a very long time, getting help when you first notice that you have a problem or might is protective and optimal when possible.
Facts About Addiction in College Students
The majority of college students fall into the 18 to 25 age range. Statistics from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) show that 49.6 percent of full-time college students aged 18 to 25 drank alcohol, and 29.3 percent had engaged in binge drinking in the past month. Drinking heavily or misusing alcohol can have serious consequences, including but not limited to overdose, death, an increased risk of accidents or injury, organ damage, and problems at school or work. That said, alcohol is not the only substance used by college students. Cannabis, stimulants, and illicit drug use may also affect you or your loved one who is in college. Statistics suggest that about half of college students are said to meet the criteria for any substance use disorder, meaning that they could have an addiction to any type of drug. Some students use multiple types of drugs at once, which can lead to a higher risk of overdose and related complications.
Signs of Substance Use Disorders in College Students

For those in college, where the use of substances is highly normalized, education on drug and alcohol use disorders is particularly important. Knowing what to look out for can help you detect a possible substance use disorder in yourself or the college student in your life. Signs of substance use disorders in college students and others may include but aren’t limited to the following.
- Ongoing drug or alcohol use despite negative physical or mental health-related consequences caused or worsened by drug and alcohol use.
- Continuing to use drugs or alcohol even if they contribute to problems at school or concerning other responsibilities (e.g., work).
- Continuing to use drugs or alcohol even if the use of these substances contributes to problems in interpersonal relationships.
- Increased tolerance (needing to use drugs and alcohol in higher amounts than before to achieve the desired effects).
- Wanting or trying to stop or reduce the amount of alcohol or drugs you use but repeatedly failing to do so.
- Spending a substantial portion of your time using, recovering from the effects of, or obtaining alcohol or drugs.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation of a substance or using drugs and alcohol to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
- Consuming drugs or alcohol in situations where it is risky or dangerous to do so (e.g., before driving).
- Reduced interest in previously enjoyable or important activities due to drug and alcohol use.
- Lying about how much or how often you use drugs and alcohol.
- Strong urges to use drugs or alcohol (cravings).
Any type of substance use disorder can come with an array of challenges, including legal or financial problems, which have the potential to emerge at any point in time if the person is still using. Getting treatment now can help you or the college student in your life avoid new or worsened consequences of drug and alcohol abuse.
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Treating Addiction in College Students: Our Programs
Treating addiction in college students means that you or your loved one will be able to have the future they want. We have flexible programs that help college students and others through every step of addiction recovery. Before you start treatment at Outpatient LA, we will provide a comprehensive evaluation that will help you pick the right starting level of care. Treatment options at Outpatient LA include:
The partial hospitalization program (PHP) at Outpatient LA is immersive, involving full days of therapy and other activities five days per week. Clients participate in a combination of groups, individual therapy sessions, family therapy, and other activities. Partial hospitalization can be an ideal alternative to inpatient rehab for college students and others who need help with addiction but do not need to stay in a hospital-like setting with around-the-clock supervision. It can also be used as part of a step-down approach for college students who have already finished an inpatient rehab program.
The intensive outpatient program (IOP) at Outpatient LA is one step down from PHP. IOP clients at Outpatient LA participate in therapy just a few days per week for about three hours on each treatment day, which allows them to balance college classes or other responsibilities with treatment sessions. Some Outpatient LA clients start treatment in our IOP, but others use it as a transitional step out of PHP.
Clients at Outpatient LA are welcome to live at home or participate in our sober housing program. Staying in sober living can support your recovery journey by providing extra accountability, support, and a sense of community in a dedicated drug and alcohol-free space where clients must follow specific rules that help them refrain from using substances. Outpatient LA’s luxury sober living home in Los Angeles has beautiful communal spaces, bright and spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, and a range of other special amenities.
Drug Interventions
What if you’re looking for addiction treatment for college students for someone else in your life? Outpatient LA can help you stage a drug intervention if needed. Drug interventions at our center are conducted by compassionate, professional, and highly experienced drug interventionists. Ideally, drug interventions should be small, with groups including about six people or less. We can secure a treatment placement at Outpatient LA for your loved one if they agree to treatment.
Learn More About Addiction Treatment for College Students at Outpatient LA
Outpatient LA is an outpatient addiction treatment center in California with consistently top-rated programs that address the underlying causes of substance addiction. From transportation services and sober housing to flexible programs covered by insurance, we have everything you or your loved one needs to heal. To learn more about addiction treatment for college students at Outpatient LA, please call our admissions line at 1 (855) 719 2594 or contact us online today.
We Accept Most Insurance Providers

Our programs are compatible with most private insurance providers, and we also offer competitive self-pay rates. Our professional admissions staff will work hard to maximize your insurance benefits so you can focus on your recovery – not your insurance. Verify your benefits now to get started!































