By Brian Odira.
A recent report by The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) concluded that drug, alcohol, and substance abuse among university students is a major disaster affecting academic progress, well-being, and mental health.
In the report, NACADA stated that 46% of university students are directly affected by alcohol and drugs, signaling major concerns. Drug abuse has become rampant in universities, and if nothing is done to control it, most students’ lives are in danger and hanging in the balance; hence, something must be done to prevent it. It is wise to combat this menace as soon as possible.
A majority of students who enroll in universities are compelled to live far away from their homes because the schools are far away. This develops comradeship among students, who form friendships.
These friendships have different dynamics, with each friend trying to fulfill a specific need for the other. Ultimately, in most cases, these friendships may lead a person to take drugs and alcohol. There is no definite method for universities to respond to issues of drug use among its students, however, there are certain approaches that are more effective than others to help curb this problem.
Universities should enforce a no-tolerance response to drug dealing among their students. This might not eliminate drug abuse, but it will help reduce the accessibility of drugs for other students. Students involving themselves in drug activities risk themselves to not more than three years of jail imprisonment.
Universities should work closely with the police to inform students of the consequences of drug abuse. Taking legal action against students abusing drugs might be a great way to discourage these activities and prevent students from indulging in these activities without being too invasive towards students’ affairs.
Disciplinary actions should be emphasized after a thorough education on drugs and the consequences of experimenting with drugs. When a student is found in possession of these drugs, the institution has full legal authority to remove the drugs from their possession. After a thorough investigation of the matter, the institution can either discontinue or suspend the student to show a harsh, zero-tolerance approach on drugs.
NACADA found that 31% of the students who took drugs did so to alleviate stress, and students also admitted that their mental health has worsened as a result of taking these drugs. Universities must therefore strengthen already existing support services available for students recovering from drug addictions and also set up more to enable students to find help.
This will enable many students to come forward and talk about their relationship with drugs and their mental health. Drug recovery programs are also a key part in reducing drug abuse amongst students, as they aim to help people in addiction and remain sober. Campuses should partner with rehabilitation facilities and also hold multiple seminars focusing on the consequences of drug abuse.
Campus recovery facilities provide students with an avenue to stay committed to recovery while focusing on school. This enables them to find healthy ways to deal with their problems rather than using drugs as an escape mechanism and having a community of support in a setting where it’s stereotypically a place to overindulge in substances.
The statement "we are a product of our environment" reflects the idea that both our genetics and our surroundings play a role in shaping who we are. While our genetics provide a baseline personality, our environment, including the people we interact with and the nourishment we receive, influences our development over time.
“The people we surround ourselves with either raise or lower our standards. They either help us to become the best version of ourselves or encourage us to become lesser versions of ourselves. We become like our friends. No man becomes great on his own. No woman becomes great on her own. The people around them help to make them great. We all need people in our lives who raise our standards, remind us of our essential purpose, and challenge us to become the best version of ourselves," by Matthew Kelly.
This means that if you surround yourself with people who abuse drugs and alcohol, you are more likely to do the same. Students should be advised to develop healthy friendships and relationships by avoiding friends or family members who pressure them to use substances. Peer pressure is a major part of life for teens and adults. If you are looking to stay drug-free, develop a good way to just say NO, prepare a good excuse or plan ahead of time to keep yourself from giving in to peer pressure.
Students often turn to drugs and alcohol when something in their life is amiss or not working. Practising stress management skills can equip them with ways to overcome these life stressors and live a balanced and healthy life. They should develop goals and dreams for their future. This will help them focus on what they want and realize that drugs and alcohol will simply get in the way and hinder them from achieving their goals.
Staying drug-free helps the well-being of a student since mental illness and substance abuse often go hand in hand. If one is dealing with a mental illness such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, they should seek professional help from a licensed therapist or counsellor. A professional will provide them with healthy coping skills to alleviate their symptoms without turning to drugs and alcohol.
They should look at their family history for mental illnesses and addiction. Several studies have shown that this disease tends to run in the family but can be prevented. The more they are aware of their biological, environmental and physical risk factors, the more likely they are to overcome them.
There is no one way or guaranteed way to prevent someone from abusing drugs, however, abstinence should be highly advised. Drugs are independent variables which produce adverse effects while acted on. Life is already complicated, and taking drugs complicates it further.
The war against drugs and alcohol abuse cannot be won overnight, emphasizing the importance of a collective effort in creating a safer, healthier, and more productive university environment. Universities should assist their students in curbing and controlling the use of drugs and receiving assistance from both the local community and parents.
Comentarios