Though drug charges do not have any age restrictions, young adults can be particularly at risk. College, a time of exploration and identity finding, is often the first time that young adults experiment with drug use.
Recent data shows that 10% of college students in New Hampshire have or are currently using illicit drugs. Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services reports that cocaine and fentanyl are the most common drugs. However, the University of New Hampshire notes that hallucinogens and club drugs like ecstasy also have high rates of use among college students.
Aside from the potential legal ramifications of possession, distribution or transportation of these controlled substances, college students can also face repercussions in their schooling.
Financial aid
If convicted of a drug crime, a student will no longer receive federal financial aid. This includes grants such as the Pell grant and loans like the Stafford loans or Federal Family Education loans.
The restriction extends to campus-specific scholarships or grants that use federal monies. Moreover, students facing a drug charge also cannot work on campus through federal work-study programs.
On-campus housing
For those schools that offer on-campus housing options through dorms or other room situations, a student with drug charges may also have difficulty finding living accommodations. Many schools may not allow students with a criminal record or history to live on campus.
Academic eligibility
Depending on when the drug charge occurs and the circumstances around it, some schools may revoke acceptance to the institution. Others may require that the student attend a recovery program or other addiction counseling prior to returning to classes.
Drug charges can be some of the most complicated, especially due to the addictive nature of many controlled substances. However, depending on the particular situation, a drug charge does not need to ruin a student’s ability to seek an education.
