There are several attributing factors to why college students choose to abuse drugs and alcohol. When you first transition into college there is stress. Most college students are leaving home for the first time, venturing out on their own, and taking responsibility for their lives. While attending school, students face high demands such as heavy course loads, part-time jobs, internships, social obligations, deadlines, exams, and projects, with an end goal of graduating from college or university. In an effort to cope with this stress, drugs such as alcohol and marijuana are used. Binge drinking is often an excuse to deal with stress and unwind. However, binge drinking is dangerous and results in injury and alcohol poisoning. Drugs such as marijuana are used as study drugs because there is a misconception that it helps students focus and perform better on tests. Heavy course loads in school also force many students to abuse Adderall and Ritalin. These are prescription stimulants and students abuse them to stay awake to study longer and meet deadlines. Much of college is about experimenting or trying new things, and for many students, this involves drugs and alcohol. Experimentation starts with peer pressure and being surrounded by other students who may be drinking heavily or using drugs. Many students abuse drugs and alcohol because of peer pressure and feeling obligated to partake in excessive drinking. Whichever the reason may be, there is help available. College students in Canada can access local treatment resources and programs for addiction treatment. The average college and university campus provides counseling services and student-health programs for any student who needs help. It is important to reach out for help, and not allow addiction to quickly spiral out of control.