Addiction in school and university: A help guide

Substance abuse among young people in education is more common than many parents and educators realise. It often begins with experimentation, but for some, it develops into a life-changing drug or alcohol addiction. Whether you’re a student concerned about your own behaviour, a parent who has noticed changes in your child, or an educator looking to support students better, understanding how to recognise and respond to substance use and addiction is crucial.

This help guide offers practical information on identifying warning signs, understanding why young people use substances, and knowing what support options are available.

The scale of the problem

Research into substance use among UK university students found that over half had used at least one illicit substance in their lifetime, with cannabis being the most commonly abused drug. The same study also found key connections between substance use and mental health difficulties, with students reporting anxiety, depression, and stress also more likely to report higher levels of drug use.

These patterns often begin earlier than university. Studies consistently show that around four out of five people who develop substance use problems begin using before adulthood. For many, experimentation starts during secondary school years, making educational settings a natural place for both prevention and early intervention.

Despite these statistics, it is worth noting that not everyone who experiments with substances will develop an alcohol or drug addiction. But early and frequent use, particularly when combined with other risk factors, greatly increases the likelihood of problems developing over time.

Why young people use substances

Understanding why students use alcohol or drugs can help us respond more effectively to their needs. However, the reasons for substance abuse are rarely simple, and they often overlap:

Recognising the warning signs

Identifying addiction or problematic substance use in a young person isn’t always straightforward. Many of the signs overlap with typical adolescent behaviour or the stress of academic life. However, certain patterns include:

With all of these, the key is pattern recognition rather than isolated incidents. One late night or missed lecture doesn’t indicate addiction. But a cluster of changes over time, particularly when a young person becomes defensive or evasive when asked about their well-being, often suggests something may be wrong.

The importance of early intervention

Research consistently shows that early intervention produces better outcomes. School-based programmes that combine social skills training with education about resisting pressure have been found to reduce substance use among adolescents. When problems are identified early, before patterns become entrenched, young people respond better to support.

But early intervention doesn’t mean punishment or confrontation. It means creating opportunities for honest conversation, offering support rather than judgement, and connecting students with appropriate help before a problem becomes a crisis.

Schools and universities are well-positioned for this work. They have regular contact with students, can observe changes in behaviour over time, and can offer or direct students to support services. Many institutions now take a welfare-focused approach rather than a purely disciplinary one, recognising that punishment alone rarely addresses the underlying issues driving substance use.

How to approach the conversation

If you’re concerned about a student or your child, how you raise the subject matters as much as the words you use. If you approach them in the wrong way, they may be scared or become defensive.

Support options

A range of support is available depending on the severity of the problem and the young person’s circumstances.

School and university services often include counselling, welfare officers, and student support teams. Many institutions have confidential services specifically for students struggling with substance use or mental health difficulties. Encouraging a young person to access these can be a good first step.

GP involvement may be appropriate, particularly if there are concerns about physical or mental health. A doctor can assess the situation, provide advice, and refer to specialist services if needed.

For more serious concerns, residential rehab treatment offers structured support in a safe environment. This is particularly relevant when substance use has escalated to addiction. This means it is affecting daily functioning, attempts to reduce use have been unsuccessful, and quitting without medical detox would be dangerous.

Family support matters throughout. Even when relationships feel strained, knowing that family members care and want to help can make a significant difference to a young person’s willingness to seek help and their chances of recovery.

Moving forward

Addiction in young people is treatable, and early action improves outcomes considerably. If you’re worried about yourself or someone in your life, don’t wait for the situation to become a crisis before seeking help.

Oasis Runcorn provides specialist treatment for young adults and can offer guidance on the best approach for your situation. Our team understands the pressures facing students and can provide the structured support needed to address substance use before the situation escalates.

Contact Oasis Runcorn today to speak with someone who can help.