@Mel2421, how tragic. I’m so very sorry that happened.
I guess this isn’t quite the original post but I think it’s an important topic:
I have to echo those who say that drugs/alcohol is everywhere. I’m both the mom of 5 kids, plus I’ve been a high school teacher. I’ve unfortunately witnessed quite a bit as a teacher.
Please, folks, talk to your kid before they go to college. They can be impacted as both the one doing the drugs/alcohol, or the one who is cleaning up the ‘mess’/caregiving like @Mel2421, or both. Please encourage them to continue to talk to you especially if they’re in a situation they feel is over their head. I’ve found out my share of issues only after the fact–sometimes years after the fact 
Don’t forget too that underlying issues can also be aggravated by drugs. One of my D’s friend’s mothers was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. At the same time, the girl had been longing to come out as lesbian, and finally did; her mother reacted by telling her she would get better if only the girl would “stop being gay.” The girl spiraled into hard drugs, and then within months tried to commit suicide. My D felt responsible as a caregiver, very unrealistic and burdensome --I found all this out only after it happened. They do often feel like they can’t talk to us because we won’t understand, or we’ll overreact, or whatever. It’s hard.
“Pill popping” is very common right now, although it’s usually done to help with staying up to finish an assignment. It’s almost casual as though the kids think they need random amphetamines in order to function. You wonder what they’ll do when they enter ‘real life’ and discover it is more stressful than college… However, it is true that some colleges are more into alcohol, others more into marijuana, others more in cocaine/pills, etc. In a very small/isolated college, the drug/alcohol issue can loom larger as there can be limited venues of escape. On the other hand, in a city college, it is very easy to get the drugs. I remember my S saying he couldn’t walk through Washington Square Park without being offered drugs… Honestly, though, in general, if your kid wants to find a drug/alcohol, he/she will easily find it at any college.
So it’s really really important to talk about all this beforehand. Also, encourage them to keep the lines of communication open. The 18 year old who leaves isn’t the same as the 20 year old a few years later. Keep the lines open the whole time, as much as you can at least!