Other Substances Trends and What to Know

While alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine remain the most commonly used substances among college students, recent data shows that other drugs are increasingly showing up in this age group. Here’s what you should know about these trends, the risks, and available resources.


Hallucinogens (like Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms)

  • Use is increasing: Since 2018, there’s been a 3.8% rise in hallucinogen use among young adults (Monitoring the Future, 2024). 
  • Risks: Hallucinogens can cause a disconnect from reality, which can lead to confusion, risky behavior, and safety issues. 
  • Therapeutic use vs. recreational use: In clinical settings, psilocybin is studied for potential mental health benefits. These treatments use very small doses under professional supervision, which is very different from typical recreational use. 
  • What to keep in mind: Research is still evolving, and there’s much more to learn about the long-term effects of hallucinogens. 

Stimulants and Opioids

  • Stimulants: Drugs like cocaine and the misuse of ADHD medications (e.g., Adderall or Ritalin) show up in some college settings, often tied to partying or academic pressure. 
  • Opioids: Less commonly reported, but still present, especially in the form of counterfeit pills or mixed substances. 

Fentanyl and Drug Safety Concerns

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that’s sometimes mixed into other drugs—often without the user’s knowledge. This has led to a major increase in overdose risk, especially with pills or powders bought illegally. In response, safety tools like: 
  • Naloxone (opioid overdose reversal drug) 
  • Fentanyl testing strips have become more widely available. 

 

Legal Protections: Georgia Medical Amnesty Law

If you’re helping someone during a suspected overdose: 

  • The Georgia Medical Amnesty Law protects you from certain drug-related charges when you seek emergency help or use naloxone. 
  • The law is designed to save lives—not punish people for doing the right thing.