Substance Abuse among College Students - Research Paper Example

Marijuana is the most dormant illicit drug with 19.8 million users 37.5% of them being students in tertiary institutions. 4. In New Jersey City University more than 65% of the students are alcohol drinkers of 22.9% are binge drinkers (Caetano, 2006).

II. Community Description

Universities in the city of Jersey predominate with drug addiction cases majorly due to the lenient regulations that are implemented by school administrations.

Furthermore, the environs of the city are surrounded by neighborhoods where drug peddling is rampant, thus close proximity for the students to access the substances.

In 2012 the rate of drug addiction in universities and colleges in America was estimated at 46.7%, 29.6% among the drug users did not graduate or dropped out of school before completion of their respective courses.

In New Jersey City University, 70% of the student population were active alcohol consumers with 46% being tobacco smokers.

3. 7% of the students’ population dropped to school in 2012 with 89% of the cases being attributed to substance addiction.

28,456 University students were arrested by police officers in the state of New Jersey for possession of illicit drugs (Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, 2011).

Needs Assessment A Qualitative Assessment 1.

55% of students who utilized drugs in New Jersey City University failed in their studies with 47% of the drug addicts repeating one or more course modules.

23.5% of students at New Jersey City University are regular smokers of tobacco products while another 57% are passive smokers.

The number of learners who utilized illicit drugs went up by 3.4% in 2012; those who drank alcohol increased by 157% as compared to the previous year (Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, 2014).

Quantitative Assessment 1.

In 2012, 764 cases of sexual harassment were reported at New Jersey City University of which those affected were under the influence of drugs. 2. 56% of the students in New Jersey City University have irresponsible sexual behavior while under the influence of medicines while 17% of drug addicts contracted STIs in 2013. 3. Approximately 4,645 cases of health complications were reported in 2012 as a result of substance abuse 90% of them were related to smoking while the rest use alcohol and marijuana combined (Gfroereret al.2004).

Community Link1. 180 Turning Lives Around Inc., focuses on mental health and substance abuse counseling and treatment. Contacts; 1 Bethany Road Building 3 Suite 42 Hazlet NJ 07730 (732) 264-41112. Care for Family Services specializes in counseling and substance abuse treatment and advice. Contacts; 601 South Blackhorse Pike Williamstown NJ 08094 (856) 728-0404