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Undergraduate researchers from Pennsylvania State University Lehigh Valley reported that almost a third of students at the campus knew someone who had overdosed on opioids.
The overlap between college students and opioid usage isn’t coincidental. The stress of college often sparks an addiction to opioid usage in students; stress also hinders their ability to escape addiction.
Mental health illnesses are frequently causes of addiction. This is especially true in the case of opioids and college students. Along with the pressure of classes, relationships, future careers, and many more, a majority of college students also have to worry about their tuition. According to the National Association of Financial Aid Administrators, across the U.S., 59% of college students thought about dropping out due to financial stress. These types of stressors can often form into deeper anxieties and even turn into depression. Sometimes the easiest outlet for these students is to turn to substance abuse.
As the number of students struggling with opioid addictions increases, the number of people not reaching out for help also increases. Researchers published in the Journal of Affective Disorders that, while 82.8% of those affected by opioid addictions reported needing emotional or mental help, less than half actually received therapy. For 26.2% of students, the cause of this is not knowing where to go. The feeling of isolation also holds people back, with 11.94% of students saying they would have no one to go to in serious emotional distress.
In combatting the opioid addiction with college students, education is key to making real changes. After realizing the tremendous effects of anxiety and depression, colleges should strive to make more programs and screenings focused on the topic. California State University East Bay, for example, has the Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS) in order to create safe spaces for students to address their needs. In addition, the university also offers the Community Counseling Clinic (CCC) which is open to members of the public as well as students.
Along with these offerings, colleges should teach students how to help their peers with opioid addictions, so those that are affected have a clear path on what to do. Colleges don’t have to be places of stress and addiction, with the ability to educate, reforming the lives of students is possible.
This article was written as part of a program to educate youth and others about Alameda County’s opioid crisis, prevention and treatment options. The program is funded by the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department and the grant is administered by Three Valleys Community Foundation.
