Heavy drinking and other drug use are typically glorified in university settings. What many students may not realize is this habitual use may actually be categorized as an addiction. Universities should prioritize building awareness of this issue on campuses to properly mitigate harmful substance use.
Though cannabis use is prohibited on Carleton’s campus and alcohol use has certain restrictions, there needs to be more care even when students leave campus. Though awareness may not be a final destination, it is definitely a step in the right direction.
According to Statistics Canada, more than 15 per cent of Canadians aged 12 and older reported alcohol consumption that classified them as “heavy drinkers.”
This statistic is especially alarming on university campuses where there is peer pressure around alcohol and drug consumption, especially since many students are just leaving high school and entering a stage of their life with newfound independence.
Not understanding how to safely consume substances can also be a major contributing factor to addictive behaviours, since many young students move away from home to live either by themselves or with other young roommates in student housing.
Instead of avoiding the conversation of alcohol and drug use among students, universities should be more proactive and candidly educate students about healthy and safe consumption, as well as the steps to reduce harm after substance use. One example of taking action is the 2016 #RethinkTheDrink Talkback Tour that many universities took part in to address alcohol-related issues affecting students.
Carleton currently offers some services and resources to students such as tips about how to stay safe, virtual mental health resources, alcoholics and narcotics anonymous and more. However, it seems that generally addiction in students is not talked about, especially since this behaviour is often praised by students on social media sites such as Canadian Party Life.
Even though universities may be offering helpful resources for students, they need to make sure everyone is aware of these resources and keep thinking of ways to challenge toxic party culture in ways that are relevant to young adults.
Featured graphic from file.
