Illegal Drugs

Substance use is a concern among college students, driven by factors like newfound independence, less structured schedules, and social norms that normalize drinking and drug use within campus culture.

Yet this behavior can carry significant consequences, from declining academic performance, health complications, and threats to personal safety, making it a pressing public health issue. Below is a collection of resources focused on preventing drug misuse among college populations.

Scope

National Data

The 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) report includes the following selected key findings¹:

3.1% of people (8.9 million) misused opioids in the past year, which is similar to 2022 and 2021 (3.2% and 8.9 million, 3.4% and 9.4 million respectively).
Between 2017 and 2020, hallucinogen use among college students more than doubled (4.1% compared to 8.6%).
Approximately 5.6% of college students report past-year nonmedical prescription drug use with estimates ranging from 8.4% for prescription stimulants to 3.7% for prescription opioids.
Among college students, rates of illicit drug use in the past year (other than marijuana) are estimated at about 20%.
Common causes of substance use disorder in college students include coping with stress, peer pressure, genetics, and availability of drugs and alcohol.

Past Year Use Rates

According to the 2025 Monitoring the Future Survey², past year use rates for various substances among college students are as follows:

Any drug use other than cannabis: 13.9%
Hallucinogens (LSD, ketamine, MDMA/ecstasy): 7.3%
Amphetamines/Stimulants: 4.1%
Sedatives/Tranquilizers (sleeping medications and anti-anxiety medications): 0.6%
Methamphetamines: 0.1%
Heroin: 0.1%

Missouri Data

Among Missouri college students, rates of illicit drug use in the past year (other than marijuana) are estimated at about 11%.

In the past year, Missouri college students report rates of use as follows:

Any illicit drug use (not including marijuana): 8.8%
Delta 8 THC: 3.4%
Hallucinogens: 3.4%
Cocaine: 1.3%
Inhalants: 0.9%
MDMA/ecstasy: 0.4%
Heroin: 0.1%

*Missouri college student data is from the 2026 Missouri Assessment of College Health Behaviors (MACHB) survey.

Best Practices

Evidence Based Educational Programming

Effective educational programming includes the following elements:

Increases students’ knowledge regarding the effects and the potential safety, health, social, academic and legal consequences of drug misuse
Increases awareness regarding the signs and symptoms of drug misuse and dependency
Assists students in evaluating their expectations regarding, and motivations for drug use
Provides training in stress management, resistance skills and media literacy
Assists students in exploring alternatives to drug use for socializing, destressing and celebrating
Assists students in knowing how to help a friend in trouble
Corrects misperception regarding norms for drug use at their institution
Provides students with information about campus and community alcohol and other drug prevention, student assistance, and wellness and health promotion resources

Strategic Planning

Effective strategic planning and implementation of strategies at various levels of the socio-ecological model are necessary for drug misuse prevention.

Detection and Early Intervention of Substance Use Disorders

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an early intervention approach that is being used in colleges nationwide
The SHADE (Self-Help for Alcohol and Other Drug Use and Depression) Computer Delivered Treatment may be a promising intervention to reduce substance use disorders. More information about SHADE.