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College Students and Substance Use: A Parent Guide
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
Published Aug 26, 2026
College is often portrayed as a time of newfound freedom, independence and personal growth. For many students, it is. But for others, the transition can bring significant challenges, including stress, loneliness, anxiety, depression and increased exposure to alcohol and other substances.
It’s normal to wonder:
- Is my college student drinking too much?
- How common is binge drinking in college?
- Are substances like cannabis or kratom a concern?
- How do I know if my student needs help?
- When should I step in?
If you've asked yourself any of these questions, you're not alone. Substance use among college-age young adults remains a significant public health concern, and alcohol continues to be the most commonly used substance among this age group. However, alcohol is only part of the picture. Today's college students may also encounter cannabis, nicotine and vaping products, prescription medications, kratom and other substances, often while navigating academic pressure and mental health challenges.
What Substance Use Looks Like on College Campuses
When many parents think about substance use in college, they picture parties and binge drinking. While alcohol use during these stereotypical events remains a major concern, young adults often use substances to cope with more complex issues.
Some students use substances to:
- Cope with stress
- Manage anxiety or depression
- Fit in socially
- Stay awake and study
- Relax or sleep
- Deal with homesickness or loneliness
Research has consistently shown that alcohol misuse among college students is associated with academic difficulties, injuries, risky decision-making and mental health concerns. Hazelden Betty Ford’s Butler Center for Research has also highlighted the relationship between college drinking culture and harmful outcomes, particularly among students who engage in binge drinking behaviors.
For many students, substance use and mental health concerns occur together rather than separately. This is especially important for parents to understand as they learn how to navigate challenging conversations with their child or consider the next best steps.
The Impact of Alcohol on a Student’s Life
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), approximately half of full-time college students report alcohol use, and nearly one-third report binge drinking.
The NIAAA reports that about one in four college students experience academic consequences from drinking, including missed classes, poor test performance and lower grades.
For additional perspective, Hazelden Betty Ford's research on college campus alcohol use and college binge drinking explores how alcohol affects student health, safety and academic success.
Behind every statistic is a young person finding their way through one of life's biggest transitions. College students face new freedoms, pressures and expectations, and sometimes alcohol becomes part of how they cope or connect. When parents approach concerns with empathy, openness and a willingness to listen, they create opportunities for honest conversations and positive change. Even small moments of connection can make a lasting difference.
Substance Use Is Bigger Than Alcohol
As parents, it's natural to focus on alcohol because it's one of the most visible substance-related risks on college campuses. But today's students may encounter a wider range of substances as they navigate the challenges, opportunities and pressures of college life. Having a broader understanding of these substances can help you stay connected, ask thoughtful questions and support your student's health and well-being every step of the way.
Cannabis
Many students perceive cannabis as low-risk. However, regular use can affect concentration, memory, motivation and academic performance, particularly for young adults whose brains are still developing.
Nicotine and Vaping
Vaping remains common among young adults. While many students view vaping as safer than smoking, nicotine can contribute to dependence, anxiety and difficulty concentrating.
Misuse of Prescription Medications
Some students misuse ADHD medications or other prescription drugs in an attempt to improve academic performance or manage stress.
Kratom
One emerging concern is kratom.
Kratom is a plant-based substance that can produce both stimulant-like and opioid-like effects depending on the dose. While it is marketed and sold as a natural product, federal agencies including NIDA, the DEA and FDA have raised concerns about its safety. Kratom has been associated with dependence, withdrawal symptoms and adverse physical and mental health effects.
Because kratom products are largely unregulated, potency and contamination can vary significantly between products.
The Mental Health Connection
Behind many substance use concerns is a student who may be struggling with stress, anxiety, loneliness or other mental health challenges. Understanding that connection is an important first step toward offering support.
In some cases, students begin using substances to self-medicate emotional pain or psychological distress.
Parents may notice:
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Changes in mood
- Increased irritability
- Loss of motivation
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Declining grades
- Avoidance of responsibilities
These changes don't automatically indicate a substance use disorder, but they do warrant attention and conversation.
Signs Your College Student May Need Additional Support
It isn't always easy to tell when normal college challenges may be signaling a deeper concern. Paying attention to changes in behavior, mood and daily functioning can help parents recognize when additional support may be needed.
Warning signs may include:
- Frequent binge drinking
- Blackouts or memory loss
- Using substances to cope with stress
- Multiple alcohol- or drug-related consequences
- Missing classes
- Declining grades
- Financial difficulties
- Isolation from friends or family
- Significant mood changes
- Ongoing symptoms of anxiety or depression
Trust your instincts. Parents often notice concerns long before a student is ready to ask for help. Even if your student isn't ready to open up, your steady presence, encouragement and concern can help them feel less alone and more likely to seek support when they're ready.
How to Start the Conversation
Many young adults shut down when they feel judged or interrogated.
Instead of asking:
- "Are you drinking too much?"
Try asking:
- "How are you managing stress?"
- "What has been the hardest part of this semester?"
- "What do students do for fun on your campus?"
- "How are you doing emotionally?"
- "Is there anything you're struggling with that I may not know about?"
Approaching the conversation with curiosity rather than criticism can create opportunities for honest discussion.
When It's Time to Seek Professional Help
Parents often worry they need to wait until a crisis occurs before seeking support, but early intervention is one of the most effective ways to prevent more serious consequences.
Support may be beneficial when substance use begins affecting:
- Academic performance
- Relationships
- Mental health
- Physical health
- Safety
- Overall quality of life
Specialized Support for Teens and Young Adults
For families seeking help, Hazelden Betty Ford's Center for Teens and Young Adults offers specialized care designed specifically for young people facing substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns.
Our Young Adult program is developed to support young people ages 18-25, combining strong peer connections, enhanced mental health support and highly trained staff in a close-knit environment. Family involvement is a key focus, with caregivers engaged throughout treatment through weekly meetings and family programming. With individualized support, increased monitoring and a focus on continuing care, the program helps young adults build a strong foundation for lasting recovery.
Additional Resources for Parents
Parents looking for trusted, evidence-based information can explore:
Staying Connected and Supportive
College can be an exciting and transformative experience, but it can also be a time when mental health challenges and substance use concerns first emerge. While binge drinking in college continues to receive significant attention, parents should remember that alcohol is only one part of a broader conversation about well-being.
Whether the concern is alcohol, cannabis, vaping, kratom, prescription drug misuse or mental health struggles, the most important step is staying connected. Supportive conversations, early intervention and access to specialized care can make a meaningful difference in a young person's life.
If you're concerned that your college student may be struggling with alcohol, substance use or mental health challenges, reaching out for professional support early can help them get back on track and build a healthier future.
