The Social Psychology of Substance Abuse Among College Students: Analysis and Intervention Substance abuse impacts people in society on a daily basis, from adolescents to adults . Specifically, abuse occurs among large numbers of students on college campuses across the United States. As they progress through college, many students acquire habits that have negative effects on their health, emotions, and relationships. Although the primary drug of abuse on college campuses remains alcohol, the problem of drug abuse today goes well beyond that of illicit substances. Since the early 1990s, the number of students abusing controlled substances has increased dramatically; painkiller abuse has increased by more than 300%, stimulant abuse has increased by more than 90%, and the percentage of students using marijuana daily has increased by 110% (Califano, 2007). In more recent years, this abuse problem has become all too common with a 22% rate of illicit drug use among full-time college students ages 18 to 22 (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA ], 2013). ). This percentage of drug users continues to increase dramatically every year. Because college is a time for new friends and new experiences and at the same time a stressful time for all students, the most common reasons for drug use among college students include to help with concentration, happiness, experimentation and social interaction or simply to “get high” (Boyd, 2006). This need in college students for experimentation or academic support can lead to a number of effects. Short- and long-term use of such substances can lead to numerous injuries, health problems and neurological problems. More death, disease… half the paper… and abuse, the best way to do this is through the use of social exchange theory and therapy through the Substance Abuse Reduction Program. Using social exchange theory, substance abuse can be reduced when students recognize and understand the distinction between permanent and temporary benefits and costs of substance use. Therapy can help increase a person's sense of self-worth and create secure attachment styles that ultimately reduce substance abuse. If you suffer from substance abuse or know someone who does, seek help through books, counselors, etc. It can be difficult to cure everyone of a substance abuse problem, there is always the possibility of reducing the number of abusers. The more educated people address their problem and recognize the need for help, the easier it will be to help. Have faith that things will change and get better.