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One of the biggest temptations for someone young and becoming independent in college is drinking and using drugs. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, about 20 percent of college students exhibit the traits for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Additionally, around one in four students report academic consequences of drinking. These consequences can include doing poorly on exams or paper, receiving lower grades and missing class. In fact, college binge drinkers who drank three times a week were six times likelier to perform badly on a test or project than casual drinkers. Binge drinkers were found to be five times likelier to miss a class than those who were casual drinkers. These students could end up going to an alcohol rehab in Texas. However, drinking is not the only substance abuse issue in college.

In July 2016, a Monitoring the Future study noted marijuana use has been rising while other drug use has been declining. Around thirty-eight percent of students have been using marijuana in 2015 as opposed to the thirty percent that did in 2006. Researchers, who have tracked college drug use since 1980, say the vast majority of other drug use is on the decline too. So, the question is: how can you avoid being one of these students? This drug and alcohol use can prove distracting and disastrous for academic performance. Colleges often have events specifically designed to help students avoid substance use. Sometimes, these events are meant for students who are simply not interested in partying.

It could be helpful to start looking for friends who are like minded. You may wish to attend some of the nonparty based events where alcohol and drugs are not present. Once you have gathered a good group of friends that do not like to party, you all can start participating in other activities. Perhaps, you go to see the latest movies. Maybe, your group starts an intramural league for soccer or kickball. It's better than spending time at an alcohol rehab in Texas. Either way, there are plenty of alternative forms of fun that do not involve traditional college partying.

You and your friends can even become one another's study buddies. Your grades might improve. You may find that your life is likely to become a whole lot better. Of course, there may be tough times during college. But with friends and choosing to staying away from substances, you may find your ability to make it through those tough times becomes easier. Of course, more challenges will arise in life after college, and you may be better prepared to face them by avoiding vices early on.

About the author: Tommy Zimmer is a writer whose work has appeared online and in print. His work covers a variety of topics, including politics, economics, health and wellness, addiction and recovery and the entertainment industry.