Substance use in university students: a comprehensive examination of its effects on academic achievement and psychological well-being

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the escalating challenge of mental health and substance abuse among university and college students. It underscores the mounting worry over mental health care crises within higher education. The stable persistence of alcohol and drug use over the last two decades is noted, attributing it to maladaptive coping mechanisms. The article aims to understand the influence of external factors such as low alcohol prices, advertising, and easy availability on increased substance use. The conclusion investigates the correlation between heavy episodic drinking and problematic behaviors among university and college students, presenting a comprehensive view of the pressing issue.

KEYWORDS:

• Mental health
• psychosocial impacts
• substance use
• university students
• youths

Acknowledgments

Authors would like to thank the library staff at LGBRIMH for providing access to e-resources and in helping the team in retrieving the needed articles. We would like to thank Dr. Ahrar Ahmad Lone for doing the proof checks of the manuscript despite his busy schedules.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study received no specific grants from any funding agency and commercial or not-for-profit sectors