As a university student, you are likely to face various stressors and challenges while studying. While it's okay to unwind and relax, it's crucial to be mindful of how our choices, especially regarding alcohol and drugs, can affect our mental and physical health.
Hannah Hockin & Nisha Bundhun
President & VP Wellbeing & Diversity
As a university student, you are likely to face various stressors and challenges while studying. While it's okay to unwind and relax, it's crucial to be mindful of how our choices, especially regarding alcohol and drugs, can affect our mental and physical health. Let's investigate the impact these substances can have on your wellbeing.
Mental Health
Depression and Anxiety
Excessive alcohol consumption and drug use can contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety. It might seem like a temporary escape, but in the long run, it can exacerbate these mental health issues.
Cognitive Function
Substance abuse can impair cognitive function, affecting memory, concentration, and overall academic performance. Your brain is an asset; treat it with care!
The Body's Balancing Act
Sleep Disruptions
Regular drinking can affect the quality of your sleep. Some people find initially that alcohol helps them get to sleep, however, drinking disrupts your sleep cycle and quality throughout the night. Poor sleeping patterns also can take a toll on your mental wellbeing and academic focus.
Physical Health Issues
Both alcohol and drugs can have adverse effects on your physical health, ranging from liver damage to cardiovascular issues. It's crucial to prioritise your body's health.
Emotional Rollercoaster
Mood Swings
Substances can cause extreme mood swings, turning a good day into a bad one. This rollercoaster can strain relationships and hinder your ability to handle stress effectively.
Dependency and Addiction
Regular use of alcohol or drugs can lead to dependency and addiction, creating a cycle that's tough to break. Seeking help early on is key to overcoming these challenges.
Social Impacts
Isolation
Overindulgence can lead to social withdrawal. Missing out on social activities and events can contribute to feelings of isolation, impacting both your mental health and your sense of community.
Relationship Strain
Substance abuse can strain relationships with friends and family. Open communication is essential to maintaining healthy connections.
Academic Performance
Impaired Focus
Substances can impair your ability to concentrate and focus on academic tasks. It's essential to strike a balance between your academic responsibilities and personal wellbeing.
Making Informed Choices
Setting Boundaries
It's okay to say no. Establishing personal boundaries around alcohol and drug use is a proactive way to prioritise your wellbeing.
Education
Understanding the risks and seeking support when needed are crucial steps. To better understand the risks of drugs, check Frank this is a website that has honest information about drugs including an A-Z which has information on each kind of drug, how they may affect you, the risks involved and the effects of mixing different drugs. You can also find their guide on how to deal with peer pressure surrounding drugs. To better understand the risks of alcohol, check out Drinkaware. They also have some top tips on how to make sure your nights out don’t end badly. You can also check out the other support resources listed below.
Seeking Support
Helpful books
- A Little of What You Fancy by Richard Mackarness - A thorough and practical look at how to control all forms of dependency including smoking.
- Freedom From Addiction by Joe Griffin and Ivan Tyrell - The secret behind successful addiction busting.
- The Demon Drink by Jancis Robinson - Penguin A balanced and readable consideration of all aspects of alcohol use which has been praised by both brewers and doctors.
- Adult Children of Alcoholics by Janet G Woititz - The title is self-explanatory. A carefully written book to help you deal with the consequences of heavy drinking in your family history.
University Support
Remember if you are worried about your own or a friend's drinking or substance habits, then please don’t hesitate to reach out to the University's Wellbeing team. They will be happy to discuss any alcohol and drug-related issues with you at any time to help you make informed choices, ask questions and seek support.
You can contact the Wellbeing team by emailing wellbeing@royalholloway.ac.uk.
Within the Wellbeing team, there is also the Student Counselling Service, which can help with drug and alcohol-related problems. They work in a non-judgmental way to help you achieve the goals you have set for yourself. Additionally, they do not normally inform anyone of any illegal activity they hear about through counselling. The only exception to this rule is when there is a clear and immediate risk to someone's life.
External support
SADAS (Surrey Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service) offers confidential counselling, befriending, advice and support groups and has an office in Staines. Ring 01483 590150 or email info@sadas.org.uk.
They also run The Engage Project (a street drugs agency providing accessible services for a wide range of drug and alcohol misusers, their families, carers or partners). For more information ring 01784 453512 or visit their website.
AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) - Ring their helpline on 0845 769 7555 or visit their website.
Alcohol Concern - Ring their helpline on 020 7264 0510 or visit their website.
NHS - For more information on alcohol support and drug support.
FRANK offers friendly, confidential advice on any subject related to drugs. Available in 120 languages, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls are free from landlines and some mobiles. You can talk to FRANK confidentially at 0800 77 66 00, by textphone (for the hard of hearing) 0800 917 8765 or by emailing frank@talktofrank.com. For further information visit their website.
Surrey Drug Care offers 24/7 confidential and non-judgmental help via phone at 01483 300112 or online.
Drinkaware - If you do decide you want to drink, Drinkaware has provided some easy steps to make sure your nights out don’t end badly. You can call their drink line, 03001231110, every weekday from 9am-8pm or weekends from 11am-4pm.
Rehab 4 Addiction is a free helpline run by people who've beaten alcohol and addiction themselves in London and the Southeast. This is a helpline set up by people who are themselves in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Check out their website or speak to them by calling 08001404690.