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Nitrous oxide, unfortunately or not, is a common drug these days, and if many parents are posting with similar experiences from the 70s, I think it should be noted that if it was a comparatively “wild” drug whose use implied the use of many others then, it is considered a “mild” one now, with many of its users taking in no other drugs at all. Another poster noted that it is legal, at least for now, and that all materials for its use are readily available on Amazon. Doubtless, the description the OP gives of her son’s use sounds like he is in abusive, dangerous territory, but I think it should be noted that the perception of nitrous, as well as its user base, seems to have changed.</p>
<p>A few boys I know - relatives, family friends - have had similar first semesters at college. For them, the addiction side of the issue was directed toward alcohol, or even video games and the internet, rather than the typical “drugs”. But their parents responses have been similar. The offending student was either brought home or lived with other relatives for the next semester, while proving their maturity at inexpensive local colleges. Being with parents or other loved ones keeps the student away from all the temptations that so often come with college campuses - sex, partying, alcohol, drugs, or just the freedom to play on the Xbox all day now that mom can’t say otherwise.
Going to a cheaper college obviously also means that the parents are risking less of their money; were they to simply put the financial burden of the more expensive school on the student, he or she might get into a deep financial hole that only adds to the issues at hand.
The boys were usually promised that, while they would need to work to recoup the looses of their wasted semester, good grades would be rewarded with returns of privileges; eg: after two semesters with, say, a 3.25 or above, they would be able to move onto the campus of the local college.
This is what I would suggest for the OP’s son. Don’t let him stay at the college, bring him home where he can be in a less tempting environment. I would recommend counseling, and if the counselor suggests it or if the issue is severe, drug treatment. Let him attend a commuter school in town. (I recommend commuter schools over simply leaving the college and working because I know how common it is for students who take time off to never come back, or only come back after a much longer time than they ever intended.) If he proves he can perform there, then consider him leaving home, for say, an apartment near the school or dorm housing if they have it. If his performance is good enough and his counselor recommends it, perhaps transferring back to a traditional campus school will be possible.</p>