Addiction Support: University Services For Struggling Students

Substance abuse is a common problem among college students, with many full-time students abusing drugs and alcohol. This can lead to a range of academic, physical, mental, and social problems, including a lower GPA, less time spent studying, missing classes, and poor health. While some colleges offer recovery programs to help students maintain their sobriety, there is still a lack of support for those struggling with addiction. The pressure to succeed academically and socially can make students hesitant to seek help, but accepting treatment can ensure long-term success.

Collegiate recovery programs

CRPs offer a range of support services to meet the unique needs of students in recovery, including campus-based 12-step programs, sober events and activities, substance-free housing, counselling services with trained professionals, and educational initiatives to reduce the stigma associated with substance use disorders.

The Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) is a crucial organisation in this field, as it exclusively represents collegiate recovery programs and communities, as well as the faculty, staff, and students who are a part of them. ARHE provides education, resources, and community connections to support and change the trajectory of students' lives.

Universities and colleges worldwide are taking steps to support students in recovery, with 183 institutional members currently part of ARHE. These institutions incorporate recovery in a way that is unique to their population and culture, ensuring that students have access to the help they need without disrupting their academic progress.

In addition to CRPs, there are other treatment options available for college students struggling with addiction. These include inpatient and outpatient rehab centres, which can provide a safe and supportive environment for students to focus on their recovery. Many colleges and universities also offer free counselling and mental health resources, which can be a great first step for students who are hesitant to seek help or are concerned about the cost of treatment.

Substance abuse and addiction are significant issues on college campuses, and it is important that students have access to the support and treatment they need to maintain their sobriety and succeed in their academic and personal lives.

Substance use disorders

Substance misuse can have a range of negative consequences for students, including decreased academic performance, risky behaviours, poor health, and social isolation. It can also increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder, which is defined as "a voluntarily maintained lifestyle characterised by sobriety, personal health, and citizenship".

Colleges and universities are taking action to address this issue and support students struggling with addiction. This includes offering treatment and recovery programs, such as Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) or Collegiate Recovery Communities (CRCs), which provide drug- and alcohol-free social opportunities, substance-free housing, crisis support, and more. Many colleges also offer mental health resources, such as confidential counselling services, to help students cope with the underlying issues that may be contributing to their substance misuse.

Additionally, there are national helplines and hotlines available, such as SAMHSA's National Helpline, which offer free and confidential treatment referrals and information for individuals and families facing substance use disorders. These services can provide referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organisations.

It is important for students struggling with substance misuse or addiction to seek help as early as possible. Treatment can teach them to cope with the stress of school without relying on drugs or alcohol and can help ensure their long-term professional and personal success.

Barriers to seeking help

Students face various barriers when seeking addiction help, and these can be categorised into individual, social, and structural levels.

Individual Barriers

• Wrong beliefs about treatment: Some students believe they do not need treatment and prefer to withdraw alone. They may also hold incorrect beliefs about certain medications, such as methadone.
• Perceived fears: Students may fear incarceration, stigma, inconvenience, losing custody of their children, or experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
• Personal traits: Low self-esteem, identity issues, privacy concerns, and poor coping strategies can hinder students from seeking help.
• Psychiatric comorbidities: Co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders, can complicate the recovery process.

Social Barriers

• Stigma and lack of social support: Embarrassment, stigma, and a lack of social connections can make it challenging for students to seek help.
• Family factors: Influences from family members or partners who use drugs, unsupportive partners, and family violence can be barriers.
• Friends network: Non-supportive friends, difficulties in establishing a drug-free social network, and negative role models can hinder recovery.
• Problems with the therapeutic team: A lack of empathy from treatment staff, poor therapeutic relationships, and negative beliefs about people with substance use disorders among the therapeutic team can be detrimental.

Structural Barriers

• Problems related to treatment provider services: Insufficient treatment facilities, long waiting times, high costs, lack of ancillary psychosocial services, and inadequate staff training can create barriers.
• Legal barriers: Restrictive policies, such as those impacting child custody for parents with substance use disorders, can deter students from seeking help.
• Policy barriers: Enforcement-focused policies, lack of focus on vulnerable communities, and the continued criminalisation of drug use can hinder access to treatment.

The role of Greek life

Fraternities and sororities are a common feature of university life in North America, and members of Greek organisations are among the college students most at risk for continued and excessive substance abuse. While Greek life can provide social and professional benefits, its members are also much more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs than their non-Greek-affiliated peers.

Binge drinking is far more common among Greek life members than among non-affiliated students. Research has found that four out of five fraternity and sorority members are binge drinkers, compared to two out of five college students overall. Binge drinking contributes to accidents, sexual assaults, emergency room visits, and deaths on college campuses. Hazing or initiation rituals are also a common feature of Greek life and nearly always involve alcohol to some extent. In the worst cases, hazing can lead to alcohol poisoning, accidents, and even death.

There are several reasons why being involved with a fraternity or sorority makes students more likely to drink or do drugs. Firstly, peer pressure is hard to avoid when living in Greek housing. Secondly, hazing or initiation rituals nearly always involve alcohol to some extent. Thirdly, there are often no resident assistants or rule enforcers in Greek housing to keep drinking levels down. Fourthly, campus officials may be willing to turn a blind eye to Greek-sanctioned activities because of the positive economic impact of having certain fraternities or sororities represented at their school. Finally, many college students pledge Greek organisations in the hope of establishing a strong social bond, and they can be especially vulnerable to the social pressures that come with membership.

However, it's important to note that not all Greek life members engage in substance abuse, and there are sober fraternities and sororities for students in recovery or students committed to sobriety. Collegiate Recovery Communities (CRCs) are college-based programs designed to help promote recovery through drug- and alcohol-free opportunities to socialise, live in substance-free housing, and get crisis support.

The impact of addiction on academic performance

Substance abuse can have a detrimental impact on a student's academic performance and can lead to a range of problems, including decreased grades, absenteeism, and even expulsion. Here are some ways in which addiction can affect a student's academic performance:

• Decreased motivation and focus: Individuals struggling with addiction may find it challenging to stay motivated and focused on their studies. They may prioritize drug or alcohol use over their academic responsibilities, leading to a lack of engagement in class and a decline in academic performance.
• Poor decision-making: Substance abuse can impair judgment and decision-making abilities, leading to poor choices that may negatively impact academic progress. This includes making impulsive decisions, such as skipping classes or submitting assignments late.
• Memory and retention issues: Addiction can interfere with an individual's ability to retain information. Students struggling with addiction may find it difficult to stay focused during lectures, absorb complex concepts, and recall information during exams, resulting in lower grades.
• Time management and organizational skills: Time management and organizational skills are crucial for academic success. However, addiction can disrupt these skills, causing students to miss deadlines, fall behind on assignments, or fail to manage their time effectively, ultimately impacting their grades.
• Health issues: Substance abuse can lead to physical and mental health issues, including liver disease and depression. These health issues can affect a student's ability to attend classes regularly and perform at their best. It can also result in frequent absences due to illness or hangovers.
• Interpersonal conflicts: Addiction can strain relationships with classmates and professors, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts. A negative academic environment can further impact a student's motivation and performance.
• Financial instability: Substance abuse can lead to financial difficulties, as individuals may spend money on drugs or alcohol instead of prioritizing their education. This can result in students being unable to afford essential academic resources or even continue their studies.
• Increased risk of dropping out: Students struggling with addiction are at a higher risk of dropping out of school. Addiction can cause individuals to lose sight of their academic goals and priorities, leading to a lack of motivation and drive to continue their studies.

Frequently asked questions