Alcohol, Drug and Addiction Awareness

Alcohol

If you do choose to drink alcohol, drinking in moderation can be an enjoyable and usually harmless feature of student life. However, getting drunk regularly can have potentially serious physical, social and academic effects. Even drinking to excess just occasionally can be damaging.

Often people believe that alcohol use is a key part of student life, however many people choose not to consume alcohol for a variety of reasons. Be aware that many of your fellow students may not drink alcohol; respect other peoples’ choices, religions and cultures.  If you prefer not to consume alcohol, for whatever reason, that’s absolutely fine; you will likely find many other like-minded people who share this preference. Don't be pressurised into drinking by your peers. If others do not respect your wishes, seek help

Visit Drinkaware for up to date information about safe drinking practices.

Check out student Fatema's blog on having fun at university as a non-drinker.

Drugs

Almost half of 16 to 24 year olds in England and Wales have tried drugs at least once. The use of drugs, however,  can have serious health consequences both physically and mentally, as well as increasing the likelihood of criminal convictions and associated crime.

It's not just illegal drugs that you need to be wary of. There are legal substances for sale with potential health risks. NHS Choices provide further useful information about legal highs.

Seek help if you're feeling pressure to take drugs.

How do I know that I need help?

Some signs that your alcohol or drug use may be problematic include:

•    You find you need to use drugs or alcohol more frequently to get the same effect.
•    You have drug or alcohol cravings and urges during the day.
•    You regularly drink or take drugs to deal with a hangover or withdrawal symptoms.
•    Your use of alcohol or drugs is starting to affect your relationships with family and friends.
•    Your use of alcohol or drugs is starting to affect your ability to work/study.
•    You forget what happened the night before; you feel embarrassed or ashamed of your behaviour.
•    You experience sleep disturbances or struggle to get up.
•    Your drug use or drinking is upsetting or worrying you, but you can’t stop.
•    You conceal, or lie about your use of drugs or alcohol to friends and family.
•    Once you’ve had your first drink or a small amount of a drug you feel unable to stop.

Gambling

Online gambling activities like bingo, poker, betting, or more specific types of gambling, have seen a huge increase in popularity as access is now easily available.  Gambling addiction is when you experience an impulse to gamble, regardless of the consequences. You know the odds are against you but you just can’t stop. However, gambling doesn’t have to be an addiction to impact negatively on your life.

One of the most common results of a gambling addiction or gambling problems is loss of money and debt, but it can also leave you isolated and impact on your relationships and mental health.

Debt due to gambling (or any other addiction) can cause or heighten feelings of shame and guilt, which may make it harder to seek help, but it’s important to get advice if it is causing severe financial hardship. 

Resources

The following services are here to support you and give the relevant information and treatment. If you think that you or a friend may have an issue with drugs, alcohol or addiction it is important to talk to someone, so we can get the right support in place to help you move forward.