The Hidden Struggle: Substance Abuse and Addiction

By Islamiyah Abdulsalam

The troubling realities faced with University life can be pretty daunting. Beneath the surface of having good grades, attending lectures and keeping up with peers, the prevalence of substance abuse and addiction is an underlying issue that persists. Recent studies have shown that one in four university students use substances to cope with academic pressure.

Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. It covers behaviors and consequences related to the misuse of drugs, alcohol, other substances. In today’s world, substance abuse and addiction are the new norms amidst the young and old.  With the belief that these substances will make them confident and also the feeling of being high, many have become prey to this menace, especially the youth. This behavior can negatively impact students’ health, academic performance, and social life. It is characterized by a pattern of behavior that leads to significant impairment and distress.

Substances like nicotine, oxycontin, codeine, cocaine, etc, have chemicals that can change how the body and mind work. They give  a pleasurable “high-ness”, ease stress, or help with avoiding problems in life. Substance abuse isn’t something to take lightly because it affects every part of life. It can hurt you and the people around you. It can ruin relationships and even one’s financial health.

Substance abuse slightly differs from addiction. Many people with substance abuse problems are able to quit or can change their unhealthy behavior. Addiction, on the other hand, is a disease in which one may not be able to stop using these substances even when it causes harm.

Addiction is a state of psychological and physical dependence on the use of drugs or other substances, such as alcohol, or on activities or behaviors, such as sex, exercise, and gambling. Addiction leads to  significant impact on health, relationships and overall quality of life. It is advisable and important to seek help as soon as one develops signs of addiction before it becomes a chronic condition.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines addiction as a chronic brain disorder. Addiction doesn’t happen from a lack of willpower or as a result of making bad decisions, instead, the brain chemistry changes with addiction.

The two main groups of addictions are:
Substance addiction: This involves the use of drugs that have addiction potential. They can be prescription medications or non-medical drugs such as alcohol, caffeine, cannabis (marijuana), hallucinogenic, hypnotics, sedatives, anti-anxiety drugs, such as sleeping pills, benzodiazepines and barbiturates. These substances strongly activate the reward center of the brain and produce feelings of pleasure. Use of these substances can lead to substance use disorders(SUDs). SUDs can be mild, moderate or severe. Addiction is the most severe form of a substance abuse disorder.
Non-substance addiction: This occurs with any activity that is capable of stimulating the brain’s reward system. Examples of potential activities that can be addictive are gambling, eating, exercising or dieting, shopping, having sex, viewing pornography, video gaming and using the internet.

Symptoms of addiction vary from person to person and based on the substance or activity. General addiction signs include: inability to stop using the substance, increased tolerance, intense focus on the substance or activity, lack of control, withdrawal, and personal problems and health issues. Development of substance abuse and addiction is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.

There are many factors that could contribute to substance abuse and addiction among students. The University is a place of exploration and self-discovery. Many students experiment with substances out of curiosity or a desire to experience new sensations. There is pressure to achieve high grades, secure internships, and excel in extracurricular activities. This stress can lead them to use substances like stimulants to enhance concentration and performance. Students who are unable to handle stress turn to alcohol or drugs to manage anxiety, or burnout associated with their academic workload. Some students also struggle with mental health issues like depression or anxiety and may use substances to self-medicate and temporarily alleviate their symptoms.

Substance abuse can also impair cognitive functions, leading to poor concentration, memory issues, and reduced academic performance. There is also an increased risk of mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and psychosis. This could as well lead to withdrawal from social activities and result in isolation and strained relationships. Substance abuse affects the overall well-being and quality of the student’s life.

Overcoming substance and addiction requires methods that address the physical, emotional and psychological aspects of substance abuse such as seeking professional help, patient and persistence, identifying trigger, therapy, support group etc. Substance abuse and addiction are not just merely statistics or distant problems. They are real issues affecting the lives of students today. Understanding the underlying causes, recognizing the signs, and knowing where to seek help can make a difference. Substance abuse and addiction is not a death sentence. It can be helped and recovery is possible.