Numerous investigators have pointed out that self-report data can be strongly biased and may not accurately reflect the true incidence of those issues among students in higher education (Dang, King, and Inzlicht, 2020). Without education and raising student awareness, simply increasing access to services will not suffice. It is important to note that there are many non- and for-profit entities entering the virtual space around mental health, and not all of the services have been created based on evidence (see Chapter 2 for additional information).
Culture and Peer Pressure
Questions on drug use and episodes of drunkenness covered lifetime, past year and past month experiences, in line with previous studies examining changes in patterns of drug consumption in adolescents in Europe . Assessment of the frequency of current alcohol consumption included five response options, from “never” to “every day”. The main outcomes of the study were to determine the frequency of consumption of tobacco, alcohol and cannabis. In this study, the intervention program was applied by qualified trainers (psychologists and educators) who had received formal training on how to conduct the program activities. In order to develop such components, the program includes techniques from cognitive and social learning theories putting into practice games, practical skills and moderated discussions .
Strategies for Prevention
When college students are dealing with substance use issues, seeking help and support is crucial for their well-being and recovery. Education and awareness programs play a pivotal role in preventing substance use among college students. Providing counseling, therapy, and support groups can help students manage their mental health concerns in a healthier manner and reduce the reliance on substances as a coping mechanism. Mental health issues can contribute to substance use among college students. Prescription drugs, such as stimulants, sedatives, and opioids, are also prevalent among college students.
- Studies indicate that living in a sorority or fraternity can greatly increase the likelihood of substance abuse.46 This correlation may be due to frequent partying, but could also be attributed to the initiations and hazing that many sororities and fraternities subject their new members to.
- LTE appears to offer a protective effect, with exposure to program messages leading to reduced drug use intentions.
- Tier 4 strategies include those with “evidence of ineffectiveness,” such as simple educational or awareness programs used alone, without any other strategies or components.
- Particularly, substance use in schools can lead to educational disruptions and cause emotional trauma for staff and students.
- It does not require as many meetings with a healthcare professional, but still gives the patient the sufficient support and help they need to fight their addiction.90
Furthermore, harmful social media provocations such as peer “challenges” also encourage participation in dangerous and risky behaviors, like substance use. According to a Journal of Adolescent Health publication by Caitlin R. Costello, M.D and Danielle E. Ramo, Ph.D, social media plays a role in youth substance use. The primary focus of school is to provide children and adolescents with a quality education. Included on CrimeSolutions is program and other information related to various topics, including crime and substance use on campus.
Intervention measures in the school context can alleviate the substance use behavior of at-risk groups, promote the physical and mental health and academic performance of students, and create a virtuous circle, benefiting more adolescents. A study conducted a randomized field trial with seventh- and ninth-grade students to implement a school-based intervention program, Take Charge of Your Life (TCYL), to prevent adolescent alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. Campus Drug PreventionThrough this website, the Drug Enforcement Administration provides institutions of higher education and their surrounding communities with resources to prevent drug use among college students. Drug abuse among students encompasses a wide range of substances, including marijuana, prescription drugs, opioids, stimulants, and even newer trends like vaping and synthetic drugs. Creating and enforcing Hispanic and Latino Student Mental Health Guide clear campus policies regarding substance abuse is crucial to maintaining a safe and healthy educational environment.
