As the back-to-school season begins, college students face excitement, new opportunities, and for many, a mix of stressors that can lead to mental health and substance use challenges. While college is a time for personal growth and exploration, the pressures of academics, social life, and the transition to adulthood often create mental health struggles and risky behaviors involving alcohol and drugs. At Wasatch Crest, we want to highlight these concerns and offer guidance on how to navigate this pivotal period safely.
The Mental Health Landscape for College Students
College students are more likely than ever to report experiencing significant mental health struggles. A national survey conducted in spring 2023 revealed some concerning trends:
- 76% of undergraduates experienced moderate to serious psychological distress.
- 36% were diagnosed with anxiety and 28% with depression.
- 53% felt lonely, and 31% had thoughts of suicide, with 3% attempting suicide in the past year.
- Rates of suicidal thinking, severe depression, and self-injury have more than doubled in the past decade.
With rising rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, many students may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, including substance use, which can further exacerbate their mental health challenges.
Alcohol and Substance Use Among College Students
Substance use remains a prevalent issue on college campuses. While social drinking and experimenting with drugs can seem like part of the “college experience,” the data reveals a more troubling picture:
- Over 60% of full-time college students drink alcohol, with 39% binge drinking at least once a month—rates that surpass their non-college peers.
- 20% of college students reported using marijuana in the past month.
- Nonmedical use of Adderall was reported by 9% of students, compared to 6% among non-college youth.
- 4% of college students used cocaine in the past year, with 1% using it in the past month.
- Use of opioids is highest among young adults aged 18-25, a group that includes college students.
Alarmingly, nearly half of all students surveyed met the criteria for a substance use disorder between their freshman and junior years.
Why Are College Students at Risk?
Several factors contribute to the rise in mental health and substance use issues among college students:
- Academic Pressure: The demands of coursework, exams, and future career planning can lead to overwhelming stress.
- Social Dynamics: Peer pressure, social isolation, and the desire to fit in can push students toward experimenting with substances or adopting risky behaviors.
- Independence: Many students, often away from home for the first time, face the challenge of managing their own mental health without the support system they once had.
- Coping Mechanisms: Without proper mental health support, students may use alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with feelings of anxiety, depression, or loneliness.
Prioritizing Mental Health and Safety
The college experience doesn’t have to come at the cost of mental health and well-being. By recognizing the signs of distress and understanding the risks associated with substance use, students can make informed choices and seek support when needed. Here are a few steps students can take to protect their mental health and avoid substance use issues:
- Build a support system: Stay connected with family and friends, and seek out mental health resources on campus.
- Be mindful of substance use: Recognize the dangers of using alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism, and understand the long-term impacts.
- Ask for help: Seeking help from a counselor or mental health professional is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Finding Help and Support
Located in Park City and nearby Heber, Wasatch Crest’s compassionate, gender-specific and co-ed treatment programs are designed to meet you where you are on your journey. We’re here to offer the guidance and care you need to find healing and lasting transformation.
As the school year begins, remember that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Reach out to us for support. Our dedicated team is ready to help you build a healthier future.
