About This Program
The college environment presents a unique set of risk factors for substance use disorders that make this population particularly vulnerable. Binge drinking is deeply embedded in campus culture, with tailgates, fraternity and sorority events, and social gatherings creating relentless pressure to consume alcohol at dangerous levels. Stimulant misuse, particularly Adderall and other prescription study drugs, has become normalized as an academic performance tool. Marijuana use has increased dramatically with changing legal landscapes, and the presence of fentanyl in counterfeit pills and party drugs means that what starts as recreational use can turn fatal. At Trust SoCal, our JCAHO-accredited treatment center in Fountain Valley, California, we offer addiction treatment designed for the developmental stage, academic concerns, and social pressures unique to college students.
The social dynamics of college life make it extraordinarily difficult for students to recognize or acknowledge a substance problem. When everyone around you drinks heavily on weekends, takes Adderall during finals, and uses cannabis daily, it becomes nearly impossible to see your own use as problematic. The line between normal college behavior and addiction is blurred by a culture that celebrates excess. Our clinical team helps college students develop the self-awareness to evaluate their own relationship with substances honestly, separate from the distorted norms of campus culture.
Academic pressure is both a driver of substance use and a barrier to treatment. Many college students use stimulants to manage academic workloads, alcohol to cope with the stress of performance expectations, and marijuana to unwind from the anxiety of maintaining grades and future career prospects. The fear of falling behind academically, losing financial aid, or delaying graduation prevents many students from taking a leave of absence for treatment. Trust SoCal helps students navigate the process of taking a medical leave, communicating with academic advisors, and protecting enrollment and financial aid.
The developing brain is a critical consideration in college-age addiction treatment. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for judgment and impulse control, continues developing until approximately age 25. Substance use during this period can alter brain development in ways that increase long-term addiction vulnerability and cognitive impairment. Our program educates students about the neuroscience of addiction and the specific risks of substance use during this developmental window, empowering them to make informed decisions about their recovery. If you are a college student or parent of a student struggling with substance use, call Trust SoCal today at (949) 280-8360 to discuss treatment options at our Fountain Valley facility.
