The great thing about being in college is the freedom and self-discovery it can bring. You are meeting new people and trying new things. Often times a college roommate can quickly become a best friend or at least someone you get to know really well.
Unfortunately, college is an experimental time too, and some college students can take their partying ways too far or start to use drugs. So when do you know if your roommate is simply basking in the fun of college or when they have a legitimate drug addiction? If you suspect that your college roommate has a drug addiction, here are some signs to look for.
Excessive Partying
Obviously, the most blatant sign is excessive alcohol or drug use. There is a huge difference participating in weekend festivities versus drinking every day or daily drug use. According to Jen Rini, contributor of The News Journal, it can be very hard to tell when college partying becomes a problem considering how many college students do engage in alcohol and marijuana use. If your roommate’s drinking comes to the point where they start blacking out or making bad decisions, you may want to voice your concerns.
Skipping Classes
When people are battling drug addiction it soon starts to consume their entire lives. They sleep more, drop all other responsibilities and soon center their whole world around their addiction. If you start to notice your roommate skipping classes and sleeping more, they may have an issue with drugs.
Money Or Personal Property Of Yours Goes Missing
One of the signs of using is that they will do anything to get their next fix, including stealing whatever they can in order to get ahold of their drug of choice. If you are noticing that money or items that can be pawned (jewelry, tech devices, etc.) is missing from your dorm room or apartment and are suspecting your once reliable roommate stole them, it may be a sign that they have a drug addiction.
Change In Physical Appearance
One of the most telling signs of drug use and abusing drugs is the change in physical appearance. Drugs can wreak havoc on both skin and hair. Some drug addicts even start to smell, drop weight and stop taking care of their physical appearance. If you notice that your once well kept roomie now looks disheveled and you notice a vast difference in their appearance, it may be time to talk with them about your concerns.
If you see any of these signs, your college roommate may be suffering from addiction. It may then be the time to confront them about your concerns or stage an intervention with other friends to get them the help they need.
