How do you know when drinking and using is more than ‘just a bit of fun’?
“I always thought drinking and taking drugs was just part of student life and that everyone does it, so it’s normal. I started using for fun and as a social thing, but I think it might be more than that now. I think I need help, but I’m afraid to talk about it. I don’t want to get in trouble, and I don’t know what to do.”
Knowing whether you have an addiction can be tough to unpick on your own. With different terms such as behavioural, physical and recreational addiction floating about, it can be hard to figure out where you stand. As alcohol and drugs can be a common part of university culture and experience, many students who classify as addicted can fly under the radar.
Let’s remove the word ‘addiction’ and reflect on this:
- Do you struggle to stop using even if you want to?
- Are you hiding your drug or drink habit from friends and family?
- Has your tolerance for the substance increased?
- Do you find that you crave the substance or want to use more often?
- Do you experience withdrawals? Do you sometimes use more to stop withdrawals?
- Has using disrupted anything — your relationships, mental health, or studies?
If you’re answering yes to some of these, it could suggest some problematic substance use. If you’ve gone through these, and you’re still not sure — don’t worry. Unpicking your relationship with drugs and alcohol can be challenging and emotional, so it’s helpful do it with someone’s support.
The University works closely with Forward Leeds, the local drug and alcohol support service, to offer support to students in Leeds. We offer drop-in sessions on campus where you can get free, confidential and judgement-free support. Forward Leeds doesn’t work for the University, so we don’t report back. Our staff have professional and lived experience, so although talking about drug and alcohol use might seem strange to you, we do it every day, so don’t feel worried about coming to talk to us.
For more drug and alcohol harm reduction advice, specialist support on campus and in Leeds, and the University policy, visit the drugs and alcohol web page.
