How the Pandemic Impacted Substance Abuse in College Students
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nearly everyone in some way over the last year and a half. However, when most people think about the impact it’s had, things like job losses and loved ones with health conditions come to mind.
But studies have already started to show a different kind of pandemic stemming from this virus—a mental health pandemic. Depression, anxiety, stress, and isolation have all been on the rise over the last year.
Mental health issues are already often a problem for college students, leading many to turn to alcohol and other substances to cope. In addition, things like Greek life, athletics, higher educational demands, and keeping up a social life can all contribute to substance abuse in college.
But the pandemic impacted substance abuse even more for this demographic. So, what about the pandemic that pushed substance abuse issues even further? And if you or someone you know is struggling, what can you do about it?
More Mental Health Struggles
When the pandemic first hit, most colleges across the country forced students living on campus to go home. Unfortunately, that instantly created problems for thousands of young adults. Some students didn’t have anywhere else to go.
Others had to return to unsafe living situations at home. Some struggled with financial problems. Some were immunocompromised or had sick family members at home. So on top of the drastic, sudden change, those issues cause a lot of instant stress for many students.
For students already struggling with substance abuse, those sudden stressors created even more uncertainty. Unfortunately, drugs and alcohol can feel like a “constant” when you’re going through uncertain times, so it wasn’t uncommon for more college-aged individuals to start using or fall into more serious substance abuse patterns at the time.
A Lack of Help and Support
In addition to more stress throughout the pandemic, students already struggling with substance abuse faced another challenge. Many family members might not be aware of those struggles. Having to hide things can cause even more stress and turmoil, especially if you start to feel “guilt” from lying to your family.
Additionally, most college campuses across the country offer mental health support. Some even have substance abuse support or hotlines that allow you to talk to someone and get the treatment you need. When you’re home, it can feel like your resources are gone, and having a support system is crucial when you’re dealing with substance abuse.
How to Fight Back
What can you do if you’re a college student that has really started to struggle with substance abuse throughout the pandemic? Getting back to a normal routine when school starts back in the fall can be helpful, but it’s not enough to recover and get through your challenges.
In fact, going back to a normal collegiate life might make it seem “okay” to continue to drink or use drugs.
While having a routine can help, it’s only healthy if you’re working on recovering simultaneously. Utilize your campus resources as much as possible. Talk to people willing to advocate for your mental health or refer you to a therapist or counselor.
Substance abuse in college doesn’t have to be “the norm,” especially during times of extreme stress or uncertainty. If you’re worried about how you might handle it in a post-pandemic society, you don’t have to go through it alone. Feel free to contact me for more information or to set up an appointment before you head back to campus.
Together, we’ll work on strategies that will help you through the semester. It’s possible to stay clean and manage your stress in healthy, effective ways, as long as you’re willing to make your mental health and well-being your top priorities.