At Michigan State University (MSU), health specialists are increasingly focused on the connection between mental health challenges and substance use, particularly among students. As academic pressures mount, many students turn to alcohol and drugs as a form of self-medication, a trend that experts say can exacerbate mental health issues rather than alleviate them.
Swapna Hingwe, Director of Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) at MSU’s University Health and Wellbeing (UHW), explained that academic stress often drives students to misuse substances. “Some students feel the need to escape from the pressures of academics by using drugs, and college students have stated that academic stresses are one of the reasons why they drink alcohol,” she said.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) notes that mental health struggles often lead individuals to seek substances for temporary relief. While this may offer short-term respite from feelings of anxiety, depression, or stress, Hingwe cautioned that such behaviors can worsen mental health conditions or introduce new challenges.
“If you’re already at risk for a mental health disorder, drinking heavily or using drugs could lead to the development of new problems beyond those that prompted your self-medication in the first place,” Hingwe stated. This self-medication can create a vicious cycle, where substance use becomes a coping mechanism, further delaying the pursuit of professional help.
Additionally, substance misuse can develop into dependency, hindering academic success and preventing students from seeking the support they need. Hingwe pointed out that the inclination to self-medicate can lead to harmful patterns, making it difficult for students to break free and reach out for help.
Human medicine freshman Arianna Paa highlighted the prevalence of substance misuse, especially in social settings like tailgating, bars, and parties, where such behaviors often go unnoticed or unaddressed. “In a setting where substance use is associated with recreation — like tailgating, bars and parties — misuse behaviors often go unrecognized,” Paa said.
Hingwe identified key signs of self-medication, such as an increase in tolerance, using substances to relieve stress, socialize, alleviate boredom, or improve mood. She emphasized that while these signs may be overlooked in a party-centered environment, they can indicate deeper mental health struggles.
To combat this issue, MSU provides several support resources, including the CAPS program, the SAMHSA helpline, and the Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC), which helps students in recovery. Dawn Kepler, MSU CRC Coordinator, addressed the misconception that college students cannot develop a substance use disorder, stating that the CRC’s initiatives, such as Recovery Ally Training, aim to break this stigma and provide essential support.
Creating a healthier campus environment involves normalizing conversations about mental health and substance use, according to experts. By reducing stigma, increasing education, and encouraging early intervention, MSU hopes to foster a culture of support for all students facing these challenges.
“My greatest piece of advice for students is to truly believe that they are not alone in their issues – especially on a campus as big and diverse as MSU,” said Paa. “There are good people here that want to help you and can relate to you, it is just a matter of seeking help.”
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