abused substance

Alcohol, the United States’ most commonly abused substance, is notably snubbed; it would be ludicrous, after all, to bar athletes from consuming a legal product that does little to boost athletic achievement.

“Withdrawal comes with powerful cravings that aren’t just in your mind but also your body. It’s an intense feeling that if you don’t take the drug, you won’t be OK. Your body has become accustomed to and actually requires the abused substance to function normally.”

The second most commonly abused substance was prescription drugs.

Alcohol remains by far the most abused substance on college campuses, with marijuana ranking second.

Look for programs using research-validated techniques, like cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps addicts recognize what prompts them to use drugs or alcohol, and learn to redirect their thoughts and reactions away from the abused substance.