Two in Five Students Using Drugs
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A recent study from the National Union of Students has revealed that about two in five students use drugs. However, the students’ union argued that students should not be disciplined for ‘drug-related behaviour that does not constitute a criminal offence.’
The most widely used narcotics were cannabis, ecstasy, nitrous oxide and cocaine, among 2,800 students. A formal warning was the most common action taken by universities over drug use. Drug use in students was found to be a ‘common, although infrequent, behaviour’ by the NUS. 39% of students use drugs, with cannabis being the most widely used.
As well as recreational drugs, there are a small number of users of ‘study drugs’, which are intended to help students perform better in exams. The report argued against a ‘punitive’ approach from university authority.
There has been a growing concern about the mental health problems that can arise due to the use of drugs. This report sees students often turning to drug use when stressed or when dealing with mental health problems.
About a third of users said they were taking drugs to reduce stress – while another third claimed it worsened their mental health.
Professor Steve West, chairman of Universities UK’s mental health working group, stated:
‘Universities cannot address drug misuse alone and, working with the NUS, we need to establish closer working partnerships with schools, employers, the NHS and other statutory services to coordinate care for students.’
According to the NUS report, there were more than 2,000 incidents last year of ‘student misconduct for possession of drugs’. Disciplinary measures could see students be temporarily or permanently excluded in extreme cases.
More definitely needs to be done to help those in the throes of drug use.
Things like prolonged exposure to cannabis can have negative effects on mental health, so students should be able to get help when needed.