Warning: This column discusses drug use, addiction and their normalization in society. Reader discretion is advised.
Hard drugs are defined as, “substances that are considered to be highly addictive and have significant negative consequences for physical and mental health. This classification typically includes drugs like heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and others.” Substance use in the U.S. has been on the rise for years now, but it looks different than in previous years. Recently it has become normalized for people to be doing hard drugs, specifically in college.
Drug use for people in college and younger is on the rise; according to a recent study 24.6 million Americans 12 years old and up have used an illicit substance, and “1 in 13 young adults has an illicit drug use disorder.” There are many reasons college-aged students do drugs such as academic stress, experimental and social reasons. However, the popularization and depiction of these substances within the entertainment industry can also be to blame for the rise of harmful substances.
The normalization of hard drugs can be linked to the entertainment world, where it is sometimes glamorized to be doing hard drugs. Although films are a mixed bag of whether they depict reality or the glamorization of drugs, the tales of “Hollywood parties” are to blame. Saturday Night Live was known to be fueled by cocaine use in the early days of its production. Many celebrities today mention substance use as something in passing, not as something that is highly addictive and dangerous. In Charli xcx’s song “365,” she repeatedly mentions “bumpin' that” in reference to doing cocaine.
Drugs like cocaine have been painted as something glamorous and expensive. The use of hard drugs is more visible than before, and nothing is being done to stop the use. Doing a hard drug on a night out isn’t being taken seriously anymore. It is seen as a one-time thing, which for some it is, but for others it can become a highly dangerous habit.
With the increased visibility comes the need for treatment centers. Thanks to federal law, health insurance companies are required to pay for a part of addiction treatment. However, the amount covered differs based on the plan chosen and the state it is bought.
The amount of centers that provide the support people need is declining. Rural areas' hospitals and healthcare centers are closing down largely due to financial reasons. Due to the pandemic in 2020, many states cut down on spending on opioid rehab programs. In 2024, Addiction Recovery Care had to temporarily close six addiction facilities in Kentucky due to “reductions in state and payer reimbursement rates.”
The current punishment for illegal substance use is imprisonment, but this does not fix anything. Studies show, “85% of people who enter prison have an untreated addiction, and illicit substance and medication use often increases following imprisonment.” The normalization of using hard drugs has become increasingly more concerning as rehab facilities are struggling to stay afloat.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, Ohio University provides resources such as R.I.S.E which give “support and resources to students seeking recovery from alcohol and drug misuse or other addictive disorders, as well as students impacted by the addiction of a loved one or friend.”
Cassie is a junior studying communications at Ohio University. Please note the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Cassie? Email her at cb086021@ohio.edu.
