A new California law is changing how public colleges respond to student overdoses and it could save lives.
Starting July 1, 2026, college students in California who experience a drug or alcohol overdose must be offered addiction treatment before facing any campus punishment.
For students and families in the state, this is one of the most significant shifts in campus addiction policy in years.
What AB 602 Means for California College Students
Assembly Bill 602 was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in October 2025. It mandates that California’s three public higher education systems, the University of California, California State University, and California Community Colleges, offer students the chance to complete a rehabilitation program before imposing disciplinary action for drug or alcohol use.
Before this law, students at schools like UC Berkeley and UC Davis faced a painful dilemma when an overdose occurred.
Under current campus policies, students may face disciplinary measures, including eviction from campus housing, for substance use.
A second violation could result in permanent removal from campus entirely. That created a system where asking for help could end a student’s academic career.
The bill was developed in part by students from UC Berkeley, UC Davis, and other universities, who collaborated with Assemblymember Matt Haney, a Democrat from San Francisco.
Their goal was straightforward, make it safer for students to call for help. If you or a loved one is need of recovery support, you can explore various rehab centers in California.
Signs of Addiction in College Students
Understanding the signs of addiction is an important first step for students, parents, and campus staff. Drug and alcohol addiction often develops gradually and can look different depending on the substance involved.
Common signs include withdrawal from friends and activities, falling grades, changes in sleep or appetite, mood swings, and secretive behavior around substance use.
Fentanyl, one of the most dangerous drugs on California campuses today, is a synthetic opioid roughly 50 times more potent than heroin.
Signs of opioid addiction specifically include constricted pupils, drowsiness, slowed breathing, and a pattern of needing the drug just to feel “normal.”
In 2025, some of the most common substances college students used included alcohol and hallucinogens. Around 4% of students reported using cocaine at least once and 8% reported using hallucinogens.
Why Fear Prevents Students from Getting Help
The story behind AB 602 illustrates exactly why this law was needed. Two years ago, a UC Berkeley student named TJ McGee overdosed in his dorm room. His roommates hesitated to call for help, afraid of what the university might do.
After that night, the university placed McGee on academic probation. McGee later became one of the most vocal advocates for changing the law.
His experience is far from unique. Saanvi Arora, a fourth-year UC Berkeley student who helped draft the bill, said many college students simply opt out of getting help, they would rather leave it up to fate than risk contacting a campus official. Arora lost a close friend to an overdose at age 15.
According to data from the California Department of Public Health, drug overdoses are now the third leading cause of death among Californians aged 18 to 24. That statistic puts the stakes in stark terms for any family with a college-aged student in the state.
What the New Protections Look Like
AB 602 builds on earlier state action.In 2023, Governor Newsom signed the Campus Opioid Safety Act, requiring CSU campuses and community colleges to provide students with Narcan, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses. The new law goes further by addressing what happens after an overdose occurs.
UC Berkeley confirmed it will comply with AB 602 and already runs a Collegiate Recovery Program that students can access voluntarily.
Six UC campuses statewide operate similar programs. The new law raises the standard for all 100+ public campuses across California.
Finding Addiction Treatment
If you or a college student you know is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, treatment is available.
Addiction treatment options range from outpatient counseling and intensive day programs to residential rehab and medically supervised detox. Early intervention, before a crisis, gives students the best chance of recovery without disrupting their education.
Addictions.com lists verified addiction treatment centers nationwide that can help you start recovery. You can also call
800-681-1058
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