Effects of High-Risk Drinking and Cannabis Use

Substance use can adversely affect college students' physical and mental health in many ways. Literally thousands of peer-reviewed publications exist that document and describe these effects. In this section, we selected articles regarding the effects on cognitive function and academic performance, as we believe these to be highly relevant to our mission as a premier educational institution. Because this particular area of research is highly complex, we included review articles, which present a broad overview of these important topics, and the reader can find sources of additional reading in them. 

New research has shown that the brain is still in a period of maturation through the mid-20s, where regular exposure to substances changes the way a person defines and experiences rewards. Academic or professional pursuits that require intensive focus and motivation can sometimes take a back seat to the immediate gratification associated with substance use. Our students recognize that academic activities and pursuing meaningful social connections will create rewards in the long-run. In essence, having meaningful academic experiences can counterbalance “hollow rewards” associated with drug use. The research literature supports this notion. 

One under-recognized effect of high-risk drinking are the community-level harms, or second-hand consequences that affect people other than the person who consumes alcohol. These things include annoyances like interruptions to sleep or studying – and more serious consequences like sexual assault. We have included two key articles on this topic.