Addiction in School / University

For those over 18, the picture in universities is also ringing alarm bells. UCAS research shows a 450% increase in student mental health problems over the last decade. Together, we may be reaching unprecedented levels of drug use and addiction among younger people.

We hope all parents, carers and teachers can recognise the signs of addiction in a teenager or adolescent, and in turn give them the support that all young people deserve.

What is driving the increase in early addiction?

In the previous few years, we have seen unsettling increases in the number of young people experimenting with drugs and becoming addicted. Most of these young people are still in school and university, which are supposed to be places of sanctuary, providing support as they step into a prosperous adulthood. Instead, teachers and carers are seeing more drug problems than ever.

While we can say that students are equally susceptible to the contributors to addiction that adults face, there are a few unique drivers that younger people have to deal with:

• Early exposure and experimentation: The most commonly reported problem stated by young people in drug treatment was the early onset of drug use. 80% of those in youth treatment stated that they first started experimenting before the age of 15.
• Academic pressures: Perhaps affecting university pupils more than schoolchildren, academic pressures can become a driver of substance abuse. Many university students are faced with new and complete independence, and as work and bills mount up, they often start to see substances as a form of escape.
• Broader social and cultural influences: While every person is subject to influences from the world around them, younger people can be even more susceptible. It is almost second nature for Freshers’ Week to be linked with heavy alcohol and drug consumption. Add to that the rising prevalence of social media, where students often see their peers experimenting and want to try, without yet understanding the depths that addiction can quickly pull them into.

How can I recognise addiction in a student?

In many ways, it is harder to spot signs of drug or alcohol addiction in a younger person than it is in an adult. An adult, more often than not, has a deeper understanding of the danger they are in and is less apprehensive about asking for help. Younger people often use hiding or masking their issues as a way to avoid perceived judgement from older generations.

If you’re a concerned parent, caregiver or teacher, there can be a few more subtle signs that point to an issue with drugs, which can include:

How can I support a young person I’m concerned about?

When you suspect a student or loved one is struggling, timing and tone matter more than you may realise. Choose a calm, private moment, and bring it up with them from a place of empathy rather than accusation. Be prepared for denial, as many young people are fearful of disappointing those they trust the most.

Keep your focus on choice, not punishments. You need to let them know that help is available and they will not be reprimanded for making the right choice. You can help them by researching the first steps beforehand, like speaking with a GP or counsellor. Even if your first conversation doesn’t go as planned, you may have planted a seed of hope that opens at a slightly later date.

How deeply does an addiction affect a student’s future?

Plainly speaking, the damage addiction can cause to a young person’s future is utterly devastating. Being addicted to drugs at a young age can and probably will pull at the threads that hold their life together. Their academic performance will suffer, and they aren’t guaranteed the option of simply redoing their tests.

Beyond academic life, the emotional and social damage can leave them distraught. Friendships fade away and future opportunities dwindle. Without timely support, addictions will follow a young person into adulthood like a relentless spectre, dismantling their mental health, self-worth, and potential for employment.

No child deserves to have their future stripped away, and with the right support, these outcomes can be reversed, and their future rebuilt.

“University Mental Health Day”: a new light in the darkness

Amid our reflection on the alarming increase in drug use among students, we should take time to consider the positive courses of action.

A group from Student Minds has been delivering University Mental Health Day events across the country. Their campaigns have become a beacon of hope for university students who have been struggling in silence. Through developing mental health workshops and seminars, more students have access to the professional support they need.

Their work is cherished by addiction specialists and parents alike for shining a hopeful light on dark times for university students. We hope their work continues to give a voice to millions who feel voiceless.

A young person I know needs help now

No matter how lost things feel right now, change is always possible. If you know a young person at school or university who needs help stopping drugs, reaching out to professionals can become the most important step you take.

At UKAT, we offe a comprehensive treatment pathway, that specialises in structured rehab programmes tailored to the needs of adolescents and young adults at our Banbury Lodge branch. During primary treatment with UKAT, our medical detox helps manage withdrawal symptoms, and therapy is in place during both primary and secondary treatment, to develop healthier coping mechanisms. We extend aftercare and family support to help young people rediscover the confidence that leads them to a brighter future.

Don’t wait to reach out, as the right support, offered at the right time, can change their life’s direction for good.