Washington & Lee University - Drug Scene

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Some of the information about the presence of drugs around campus is anecdotal and gossipy—not cold, hard facts. Marijuana use does occur, although it is mostly done off campus where houses aren’t patrolled by security guards (as the freshman dorms and fraternities are). Washington and Lee students are less likely than their peers at 73 comparison schools to entirely avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana, according to the National College Health Assessment survey a few years ago. Compared to the reference group, W&L students report slightly higher rates of occasional cigarette and marijuana use, but average usage of harder drugs. Over 90 percent of students say they’ve never used harder drugs like cocaine or ecstasy. Investigators with the regional drug task force say they suspect marijuana use on campus but can’t usually prove it. People tend to smoke cigarettes more at parties than for everyday use. Tobacco users that do not smoke usually use dipping or chewing tobacco.

Alcohol is the drug of choice at W&L, and is extremely prevalent both on and off campus. Knowing this, the University is trying to prevent drunk driving by providing free rides from parties back to campus. Students very rarely use fake IDs to get alcohol in Lexington, because the Executive Committee may consider it an honor violation and also because there’s no point: on at least four nights out of the week, several fraternities will be holding open parties. Students frequently consume energy drinks due to the rigorous academic schedule, and do not be surprised to hear of some students using Adderall closer to midterms and finals.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Several of my sorority sisters did... Several of my sorority sisters did not drink at the beginning of the year, some of them for moral reasons. Now I am the only member of my pledge class who does not drink. While I have never felt directly pressured to drink, W&L’s social scene largely revolves around alcohol. I think that many students are indirectly pressured to drink. 12345 Drug Scene Report

Anonymous says:

Drug use happens around campus.... Drug use happens around campus. But it’s easy to run in circles where you won’t encounter it and equally easy to hang around people where you will see it everywhere. 12345 Drug Scene Report

Anonymous says:

On-campus parties can occasionally... On-campus parties can occasionally produce an occasional whiff of marijuana or the familiar sound of a snort, but most of it is done off-campus where there is less risk of getting caught. Drug use in dorms is rare and given the prominence of near-by safer places to use them, is generally a stupid idea. 12345 Drug Scene Report

Anonymous says:

Alcohol is the lubricant for the... Alcohol is the lubricant for the gears that keep W&L running. Beer is copious, and hard liquor (while slightly exaggerated) is very present. You never have to go far to find a party, and there are usually several options. Marijuana is around, but more often than not, you have to go looking for it. 12345 Drug Scene Report

Anonymous says:

Harder drugs are present, but... Harder drugs are present, but infrequently seen, harder to get, and it’s usually very hush-hush. 12345 Drug Scene Report

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