In the recent past, the number of college students diagnosed with alcohol and other drug related problems has increased tremendously. A high number of students continue to drop out of college while other even dies because of drug abuse. The academic performance of addicted students is affected as they attain poor grades in their exams. In our institution of learning, the drug menace has challenged the administration to come up with effective measures to prevent and control substance abuse. Each has a role to play in curbing the threat and making our college the best institution ever. Drug abuse has developed into a public health problem and needs attention so that it can be fixed with ease. The paper will highlight measures and strategies applied to prevent and control drug and substance abuse at our institution of learning. The formation of a college and community coalition has been a successful solution to drug and substance abuse. The institution has involved the major stakeholders to ensure that the campaign is a success. Youths have been educated in college as well as at the community level on the effects of drug abuse. As a result, most College students have realized that engaging in drug abuse can have detrimental effects on their lives. The community has discouraged the use of drugs by youths, and this has been a major step towards the process. Since the college and community coalition was put into place, the numbers of students who engages in the menace have decreased significantly. The college administration has partnered with the community to create awareness in both camps and encourage students to shun from this unwanted behavior.
Moreover, enforcement at college-based events that endorse excessive drinking has been increased. The college police are expected to conduct random spot checks at parties to reinforce responsible drinking by students. Non-students are discouraged from attending these parties to make things much easier for law enforcement officers. Every student is expected to stick and adhere to the College policies on drugs prevention. Although it has been challenging for the residents assistance to developing a supportive relationship with college students, the situation is improving on a daily basis. The college police have helped the administration on the war on drugs by ensuring that the alcohol-related rules and regulations are consistently put into action. Another strategy that has boosted the campaign is the establishment of alcohol-free dormitories to avoid consumption of alcohol at the residential places making the college an attractive place to study.
Nevertheless, the college administration has reinstated Friday lessons and exams to reduce Thursday night partying on campus. The institution has also banned keg parties as they promote underage drinking in college. Even though students disregard these attempts by the administration, they have slowly reduced the consumption of alcohol. Every individual has a role to play in ensuring that they kick drugs out of college for their good. As illustrated above, alcohol is the most abused drug in college. Many students find drinking alcohol a norm and culture that is hard to eliminate. Alcohol is mostly abused during house parties; students get together, sporting events, etcetera. This is the reason effective strategies has been implemented and put into action to control the situation. The strategies have been effective as students spend most of their time to further their studies.
Work cited
Henry, et al. "Trends in college binge drinking during a period of increased prevention efforts: Findings from 4 Harvard School of Public Health College Alcohol Study surveys: 1993–2001." Journal of American college health 50.5 (2002): 203-217.
