This work takes place around all kinds of traumatic events. We cannot totally prevent tragedies like suicides from occurring. The fact that suicides occur only about half as frequently on campuses as in the general population is an indication of the positive extent to which colleges and universities work therapeutically with troubled students. First, because experimentation is common to this age group, we try to make a distinction between use, misuse, and abuse. Each carries different connotations.
Abuse is both a health problem and a public-health problem.
We're not immune to substance abuse problems of any kind. What seems slightly higher here is the use of marijuana. The use or abuse of drugs like cocaine or heroin is lower than on other campuses, but when they are used, they're a problem. They're clearly illegal, clearly have health consequences. Memory, concentration, and productivity all get affected.