Going off to college can be both exciting and stressful at the same time. Being on your own comes with a certain level of freedom, but it also comes with a great deal of responsibility, and the decisions you make during this crucial part of life could affect your future.
While you may consider yourself a responsible individual, college life can be full of influences, some of which could lead you down a difficult path. You might not want your college experience to be all work and no play, but using a certain level of caution in the latter could help you avoid facing drug charges.
College life and the influences involved
There are numerous types of drugs that might be common to the college scene, ranging anywhere from marijuana to heroin and cocaine. While you may generally steer clear of such substances, there are some scenarios that could influence your actions and decisions, which may include:
- Social gatherings: Where there are social gatherings or parties, the chances of drugs and alcohol being present increase significantly. Wanting to fit in or make friends during these occasions could lead you to letting your guard down and partaking in the festivities.
- Stressful deadlines: College is full of hectic deadlines and schedules, and the stress of meeting a due date can seem overwhelming at times, potentially leading you to look for an outlet for release.
- Peer pressure: Whether you choose to join a fraternity or sorority, or you simply wish to hang out with friends in your dorm, you may come across scenarios where you feel pressure to partake in activities you would normally avoid, and peer pressure can be exceedingly influential.
- Concerns regarding image: Image is a concern for many college students, and the desire to fit in could cause you to say or do things that were previously unimaginable.
In some cases, a college student may feel as though there is no harm in experimenting with drugs just one time. However, aside from the risk of developing an addiction, a one-time experience could also result in criminal charges.
Seeking guidance
Regardless of how you got to this point, if you are facing drug-related charges, you may be feeling intimidated and overwhelmed by the process. However, you don't have to go through this by yourself, and seeking advice on how best to proceed could prove invaluable. By consulting someone with extensive knowledge in North Carolina state laws related to drug offenses, you could become better prepared to seek a favorable outcome during legal proceedings, which may, in turn, help protect you against potentially devastating consequences to your future.