How to Help Students with Trauma

Everyone experiences traumatic happenings, like the death of a loved one or job loss. Many people process the trauma, adjust, and move on, while others experience emotional trauma symptoms that need treatment. 

Many college students bring trauma to the university with them. College students also are at high risk of experiencing trauma during their time at university. Learning how to help students with trauma is vital in assisting them when they are in need.

Common Traumatic Events Students Face

Trauma is the emotional response to a distressing event or series of emotionally disturbing or life-threatening events. It can have a profound and lasting impact on a student’s mental and physical health, academic performance, and overall well-being. 

Trauma can affect a person’s ability to cope by diminishing their sense of self and ability to process experiences. It can distort their sense of safety, cause feelings of helplessness, and alter their everyday life. The effects of trauma also can continue impacting college students far into their adult lives. Educators and parents need to understand trauma and its potential impact and know how to support students.

Traumatic events include:

• Physical violence
• Sexual assault
• Neglect
• Death
• Car accidents
• Racism
• Harassment
• Natural disasters
• Witness to a crime, accident, or death

“College students are exposed to the same types of stressors as the general population,” said Irving Najman, CSAT, Clinical Manager at Integrative Life Center. “A key difference with young people is that their brains aren’t yet fully developed, which may make them less equipped to handle and process traumatic stress.”

Traumatic events that many college students experience are:

• Abuse. Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can affect a person’s mental and emotional well-being. It can impact a student’s ability to trust others, form relationships, and feel safe.
• Loss. Losing a loved one can be traumatic for students, whether through death, divorce, or other circumstances. It can lead to feelings of grief, guilt, and loneliness and can disrupt their daily routine and sense of stability.
• Chronic Stressors. Exposure to chronic stressors, such as poverty, illness, family conflict, or extreme academic stress, can lead to a constant state of anxiety and worry. This stress can impact a student’s physical and mental health, academic performance, and ability to form healthy relationships.
• Campus Lockdowns. College administrators are on high alert to keep students across the nation safe from gun violence or other dangers on campus. With this caution comes more frequent campus lockdowns. Even when officials later determine campus is safe, a lockdown and the threat or reality of mass violence on campus terrifies students.

“While college students are prone to all types of trauma experiences, there are certain types of trauma that may be more typical while at university,” Irving said. “For example, sexual assault cases are much higher among college students than in the general population. Also, traumatic happenings like the death of a beloved pet or a parent’s illness can be much more difficult for students to deal with emotionally when they’re away from home and can’t visit frequently.”

Spotting the Signs of Trauma in Students

You may not always know when a student was exposed to a traumatic event. If you’re aware of the exposure, it’s easier to discuss it with them and offer support. But regardless of their awareness, understanding common signs of emotional trauma can help you when you know something isn’t quite right with your student. 

Signs of emotional trauma to look for:

• Anxiety or depression
• Anger or irritability
• Seeming disinterested in things that they used to enjoy
• Expressions of shame or guilt
• Difficulty forming relationships, loss of relationships, or seeming like an outsider
• Missing class frequently or claims of being overly tired
• Complaints of headaches or other physical pains
• Difficulty concentrating or paying attention
• Memory lapses or forgetfulness
• Confusion, disorientation, or difficulty making decisions
• Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities
• Destructive behavior
• Substance use or excessive risk-taking
• Acting out or having behavioral problems
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts or behaviors

“If you think something is off with your student, you’re probably right,” Irving explained. “Open the door for communication by asking them how they are and if there’s anything you can do to help. Tell them you’re there if or when they need you or are ready to talk.”

Understanding Trauma Triggers in College Students

As well as understanding symptoms of emotional trauma, it’s essential to be aware of the potential triggers for students experiencing trauma and to approach these situations with sensitivity and understanding. Encouraging open communication, providing support and resources, and establishing a safe and predictable environment can help mitigate the impact of these triggers.

Examples of things that may trigger a trauma response include:

• Crowds
• Closed-in spaces
• Lack of control or unexpected changes
• Loud noises
• Being criticized
• Reminders of the traumatic happening, like discussing or viewing content related to a similar situation
• Impatient, rude, or aggressive peers or faculty 

How to Help Students with Trauma 

Awareness of the potential impact of trauma on students can help educators and parents recognize when a student may have been exposed to a traumatic event and be having difficulty processing it. 

Creating a safe and supportive classroom environment, engaging proactively with students, and utilizing self-regulation strategies can help students feel more secure, manage their emotions, and succeed academically. 

To help students experiencing trauma:

• Be Trauma-Informed. Be aware of the potential impact of traumatic experiences on students and learn to recognize symptoms of emotional trauma. If you think a student is experiencing trauma, you can approach them and offer help. Help may include leading them to campus counseling services if you’re an educator or even visiting them to help secure mental health care if you’re a parent.
• Create a Safe and Supportive Environment. Create an inclusive and non-threatening atmosphere where students feel comfortable sharing and expressing themselves. Keep the lines of communication open and help students understand that you won’t judge them.
• Be Compassionate, Patient, and Respectful. Show empathy and understanding toward students struggling with trauma. Avoid any actions that may trigger them.
• Avoid Physical Contact. Be mindful of students’ boundaries and avoid any physical contact that may be perceived as threatening or triggering.
• Proactively Engage with Students. Encourage student participation and interaction, and try to get to know each student personally. If you’re a parent, make sure to have regular contact with your student to discuss what’s going on at school and how they’re doing.
• Provide Structure and Predictability. Establish clear rules and routines, and provide a structured and predictable environment to help students feel secure.
• Utilize Self Regulation Strategies. Teach students self-regulation strategies to help them manage their emotions and reactions.
• Encourage Healthy Coping Skills. Teach students healthy coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness and exercise. As an educator, help students keep things like grades or academic stress in context. As a parent, inquire about your student’s habits, like how much sleep they get.

Every person experiences trauma differently, and its impact on their lives can vary greatly. Be patient, understanding, and compassionate toward all students, and work to create a supportive and inclusive environment where students trust you to help them if they’re in need.

“The best thing you can do is to let the person know that they can come to you, and you’ll help them find the help they need,” Irving said. “You can’t force them to talk to you, but you can lead them to mental health support if and when they ask for it.”

Getting Help at ILC

Educators and parents play a critical role in recognizing emotional trauma in students and providing resources and support for them in healing. At Integrative Life Center, our trauma treatment can help students dealing with the effects of trauma. We operate from a trauma-informed perspective and can provide the support students need to heal and thrive in their academic and personal lives. Contact us to learn more.

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source https://integrativelifecenter.com/how-to-help-students-with-trauma/

Recognizing and Coping with Anxiety in College Students

Attending college is a significant change. You’re moving to a new place, meeting new people, and learning a whole new skill set. It’s a big adjustment that happens practically overnight. This unfamiliar time can be exciting yet stressful. For many, the transition causes anxiety and apprehension. 

Anxiety in college is a common problem among students. More than 60% of college students report experiencing anxiety. It’s a crucial time in adolescent development that presents challenges. Many students leave their support system for the first time and have trouble adjusting to academic and social stress. To overcome anxiety, students, parents, and professors should recognize the signs and symptoms to learn how to cope.

Is it Common for College Students to Have Anxiety?

Starting over in a new place is challenging. It’s common to experience anxiety as you navigate new challenges, relationships, and routines. For many students, developing friendships may take a semester or two, which can cause feelings of loneliness and decreased confidence.

College also presents the burden of choosing a major. For many, choosing what skills to pursue professionally is a lot of pressure, whether you’ve just turned 18 or are an independent adult. Many people struggle to decide what they want to do with their life after college. That pressure is exemplified by parental approval, financial status, and academic ability. 

College has multiple stressors that impact students’ mental health, which is why anxiety is one of the top mental health challenges they face. 

“College completely changes a student’s environment and introduces a myriad of unique concerns,” said Sheena Miller, LPC-MHSP, Clinical Manager at Integrative Life Center. “It’s not surprising that all this change brings anxiousness with it. The key is giving college students the tools to cope with that anxiety before it becomes a bigger issue.”

What Causes Anxiety in College Students?

Students experience many firsts in college. It’s a major life transition that can present various obstacles. Of course, each student has a different experience, but there are some common causes of anxiety in college that students may face.

Factors that cause anxiety in college include:

• Lack of Support. Attending college is like entering an unknown world. There’s so much to learn and adapt to, which can be even more difficult without a safety net. Leaving behind your support system, whether it’s friends, family, or a significant other, can be daunting. 
• Academic Stress. There’s constant pressure in college to be effortlessly perfect and achieve greatness. The stress of having a perfect GPA or maintaining grades for scholarships can overwhelm students. This stress exacerbates anxiety in students and can affect their self-esteem and well-being.
• Overwhelmed Developing Brains. Many college students are vulnerable to anxiety because their brain hasn’t finished developing. Since the brain doesn’t fully develop until the mid-to-late 20s, students may feel overwhelmed by critical thinking and decision-making. They may also struggle to form meaningful relationships with others. 
• Social Pressure. Many students feel immense pressure early in their college career to make friends and integrate into a group. The reality is, forming friendships can be a long process. Students may also feel pressured to do activities they’re uncomfortable with to appease the group.
• Unhealthy Behaviors. Some students turn to drugs, drinking, or illegal activity to cope with stress. Because a lot of college culture involves a party atmosphere, students may struggle to avoid getting involved. If the behavior goes against their morals and values, it can cause intense emotional strife. 
• Isolation from Family. Living away from the people who reinforce a student’s identity can cause them to feel a loss of self. Without their support system, students can feel lost, alone, and unsure of themself. 
• Settling in a New Environment. Acclimating to a new environment can be stressful, especially while trying to study and make new friends. Students are likely living in an environment different from home, requiring patience and adaptability. College usually involves living with a roommate, which might not be the perfect match. Meals are often eaten in a cafeteria with a group, which can be unsettling. Students may feel homesick for what they know and struggle to adapt to a new place.
• Financial Strain. College can be expensive, especially for students who don’t have the financial support of their families. It can be stressful trying to balance studies with a job. With the rising cost of tuition, many students feel the financial burden of choosing between their education and trying to support themselves. 
• Fear of the Future. Choosing what you want to do for the rest of your life is daunting. Many students fear what life after college brings, especially if they aren’t satisfied with their chosen major. Whether they’re just starting school or ready to graduate, the future presents unknowns that can cause great distress. 

“For many students, college is the first time they’ve been out on their own and able to make their own decisions,” Sheena said. “This newfound freedom comes with stress and pressure.”

What Does Anxiety Look Like?

It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of anxiety. They can manifest both physically and emotionally and have a debilitating effect on students’ well-being. 

Symptoms of anxiety include:

• Mood swings 
• Poor sleep habits
• Feelings of fear or impending doom 
• Trouble concentrating
• Memory issues
• Restlessness 
• Fast heart rate, rapid breathing, or shaking
• Physical pain and soreness 
• Panic attacks

“If it seems like a student isn’t acting like themselves, reach out and inquire about their well-being,” Sheena stated. “They may be hoping someone engages them and leads them to helpful resources.”

How to Cope with Anxiety in College

Anxiety can spiral out of control without proper care and have debilitating consequences. By practicing healthy coping strategies, you can better manage your anxiety and feel more prepared for future stressors. 

Coping strategies include:

• Accept and Approach Anxiety Concerns. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed and try to escape stress by skipping class or avoiding social situations, but this can worsen anxiety over time. Instead, take small steps to approach anxiety-inducing situations. You can meet with a tutor to help you in class or participate in a club that interests you to meet new people. 
• Prioritize Task and Time Management. The more you need to catch up on assignments and responsibilities, the more stressed you will get. Be proactive and plan with a calendar or planner. If you get behind, prioritize important tasks and give yourself breaks when needed.
• Practice Mindfulness and Self Awareness. When dealing with the stresses of a new routine, it can help to go back to the basics. Practice mindfulness by journaling about your abilities, your accomplishments, and things you’re grateful for. It can help put things in perspective and decrease anxiety. 
• Regular Exercise. Physical activity can help you relieve stress and help you feel more productive. It also can elevate your mood and improve sleep. Even a short walk can help you clear your head of anxious thoughts. 
• Integrate Calming Hobbies. Invest time in healthy activities that make you feel relaxed. It should be something you enjoy doing that makes you feel calm and happy. When you’re overwhelmed, practice returning to these hobbies to feel more at peace.
• Set Social Boundaries. Know yourself and your limits. Don’t let someone else push you to do something that makes you uncomfortable. Set personal boundaries so you can feel confident saying no. Having a social battery is real, and sometimes you need to take a break. Don’t be afraid to spend time by yourself to reconnect and relax.
• Minimize Alcohol Consumption. While drinking may help you feel more relaxed at the moment, it can exacerbate anxiety long-term. The after-effects of a night of drinking can make you feel confused, embarrassed, and stressed the next day. The more you become dependent on alcohol, the higher the chance of developing an alcohol disorder. 
• Make Your Space Feel Like Home. It’s tough to feel connected to your space when it feels foreign to you. Creating a comforting, relaxing space can decrease your stress and help with homesickness. Put up pictures of friends or family, keep some of your favorite snacks handy, and try to avoid clutter. It’s helpful to have a designated and organized work space so you can focus and feel productive. 
• Volunteer to Help Others. When you meet someone experiencing similar feelings to you, it helps you feel less alone. And if you can use your experience to help others, you’ll probably feel better about it in the long run. 
• Reach Out to Campus Resources. Your college may provide options to help students adjust, such as counseling, academic advising, or peer groups. If you’ve been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, it can be helpful to research mental health care options near you to find support. 
• Seek Counseling. Many universities offer students free counseling sessions. These counselors also can connect you with local mental health resources. Speaking with a mental health professional can help to understand why you feel the way you do and how to manage your stress.
• Rely on Your Support System. If you need advice, encouragement, or a shoulder to cry on, turn to people you trust. They can remind you of your accomplishments and inspire you to pursue your goals.

“Remember that you’re not the first or only student to feel anxiety in college,” Sheena stated. “It’s acceptable to talk about how you’re feeling and ask for help.”

Spotting Anxiety Issues in College Students 

Keep an eye out for anxiety symptoms in students, so you can feel prepared to handle it. The signs may look different for everyone, so you must be diligent in your observation. 

Signs of anxiety in students include:

• Poor academic performance
• Not showing up to class or isolating from others
• Jittery behavior or panic attacks 
• Unusual dependency on others 
• Lack of physical tidiness
• Witnessing risky behaviors  

How You Can Help Anxious College Students 

You can’t cure a student’s anxiety, but you can provide support and resources to help students feel less alone. Here are some tips for those in students’ lives to help them if you notice anxiety symptoms. 

“People who want to help students must think about their mental health and their intellectual growth,” Sheena explained. “If you notice that a student is struggling, don’t make assumptions about the reason. Engage the student and guide them to the resources they need.”

Faculty and administrators:

• Raise Awareness. Many people don’t know about the effects of anxiety. Do your part to educate students so they can better understand what they’re experiencing. 
• Be Aware of Signs. Be attentive to students so you can observe any warning signs. Students may be struggling but are unsure how to ask for help. 
• Reduce the Stigma and Barriers to Seeking Help. Students may have grown up without affirmative mental health options. The easier you can make it to access, the more likely students are to seek help.
• Make Classrooms a Safe Space. Teach students transparency and respect, so they feel comfortable confiding in you. Students should feel they can be their authentic selves in your classroom. 
• Ensure Engagement is Respectful and Kind. Facilitate a safe learning environment for differing opinions that stays respectful. Students should not feel they have to defend their identity or culture. All students should feel respected and encouraged to be themselves. 
• Have Zero Tolerance for Bullying. If a student fears coming to class because of bullying, you don’t have an environment conducive to learning. Ensure each student feels safe and comfortable and discourage gossiping amongst students. 

Loved ones:

• Be Available. If you see a loved one struggling, be present with them and offer support. Knowing they have someone to lean on can offer comfort during stressful times.
• Proactively Check-in. Don’t wait for a crisis to communicate about their well-being. Reach out frequently to establish trust and open communication.  
• Listen and Uplift. Be an active listener and pay attention to any red flags, such as an inclination to isolate themselves or self-harm. Show respect and affirmation for their feelings. Offer encouragement to reassure them.
• Encourage Healthy Activities. Sometimes people need a push from those they trust. Be their biggest cheerleader and support healthy activities that can serve as a distraction from stress.
• Help Find Options. Students may feel too overwhelmed by academics or other stressors to advocate for their needs. Offering mental health support options like counseling and campus resources can remove the first barrier to getting help.

Getting Treatment for Anxiety

If you have mental health challenges, you’re not alone. As many as 75% of students with depression and anxiety are reluctant to seek help. But with support and the right resources, you can overcome anxiety and succeed in college. 

Sometimes the best solution is professional anxiety treatment. At Integrative Life Center, we offer solutions to help recognize the behaviors working against you and tools to change and adapt. Contact us today to experience true relief and healing.

The post Recognizing and Coping with Anxiety in College Students appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

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Recognizing the Signs of Trauma in Students

College can be a fun, fresh, and exciting time for young adults, but for some, it can trigger or result in emotional trauma that affects their mental and physical well-being. While these young people are meant to enjoy this new growth phase in life, they instead feel profoundly unsafe and often helpless. Understanding and recognizing the signs of trauma in students can help you assist a young person in need.

How Common is Trauma in College Students? 

Students come to college from a life relatively unknown to faculty, staff, or administrators. They bring with them traumatic experiences, including living in poverty, experiencing abuse, or surviving ongoing bullying. Some students may not even want to attend college, but they were unsure what to do next, or their parents expected them to attend. 

The American Psychological Association found that nearly two-thirds of incoming undergraduates experienced trauma before attending college, and roughly 10% develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a severe trauma disorder. In 2022, about 11.6 million students enrolled in a secondary institution, which means 1.16 million of those students have PTSD.

Students may also experience trauma during their time away at college. For example, some students experience relationship and domestic violence, and others learn negative coping mechanisms for stress, such as substance use. Statistics show that one in five women are sexually assaulted while at college. 

“College may be thought of as the best time of someone’s life, but that’s not the reality for many people,” said Kathy Reynolds, LCSW, Executive Clinical Director at Integrative Life Center. “Many students come to college with untreated mental health issues that become worse during the transition. Other students experience traumatic happenings while on campus and are left needing support from anyone around them.” 

While many college students have emotional trauma, identifying students with traumatic backgrounds or who have experienced trauma is difficult. Administrators, faculty, staff, and family members must understand and be able to recognize signs of emotional trauma in students to lead these students to the help they may need.

“You can’t always just look at someone and know they need help. You need to have an idea of what their behavior was like and how it’s changed. A lot of people that college students come into contact with don’t have that base reference of their behavior,” Kathy said. 

Symptoms of emotional trauma in students include:

• Not attending class or academic decline
• Seeming disconnected or easily agitated
• Anxiety or depression 
• Frequently mentioning headaches, stomach aches, or sleeping through classes often
• Seeming disconnected from their surroundings
• Loss of interest in previously-enjoyed activities
• Withdrawal or isolation
• Being on edge or easily startled

Recognizing Trauma in Students 

Everyone on campus plays a role when it comes to helping students who experience trauma. The first step is identifying that a student may need help. Then you guide them to the resources available on campus. 

Here are some of the typical campus groups and what they can look for to recognize whether students need help. While these symptoms don’t mean for sure that a student is experiencing trauma, they still may indicate that a student needs help and a conversation is worthwhile. 

“Just because someone displays signs or symptoms of trauma doesn’t mean they’re experiencing emotional trauma,” Kathy said. “College students are tired, busy, and often have poor habits. It’s important to respond, regardless. It’s better to have a conversation with someone and discover that they’re fine than to avoid a conversation because you don’t want to overreact and find out later that the person was in crisis.”

Faculty 

Faculty often are the adults on campus with the most frequent engagement with students. Therefore, they’re likely the first to notice if something changes about a student. That means faculty must be prepared to recognize signs of emotional trauma and know what resources are available for students.

Signs of trauma faculty may notice include: 

• Poor attendance
• Failure to submit assignments
• Decline in work quality
• Disheveled appearance
• Concerning behavior or comments
• Isolating from classmates 

“Faculty are often the first line of defense when it comes to helping college students with mental health issues. The reason is that they’re the adults who come in most regular contact with students,” Kathy explained. “Faculty members shouldn’t assume that a student is just a bad student if they aren’t coming to class, submitting assignments, or taking care of themselves physically. The student may very well need help. Most universities have early warning systems for this reason. But faculty don’t have to wait until a grade check to check in with a student and ask them if they need help.”

Family

College students are experiencing a new sense of freedom and adulthood. Part of this newfound freedom means they don’t engage with their parents as much as they likely did when they lived at home. Still, parents can watch for signs of trauma in their children. If they see them, they can help the student find resources.

Signs of emotional trauma parents should look out for include: 

• Changes in communication or avoidance
• Verbally expressing negative feelings or emotions
• Negative feedback on academic performance
• Frequently talking about not feeling well or not sleeping

“It’s difficult for parents or other family members to recognize signs of trauma in students because they don’t see or talk to them as often,” Kathy said. “Parents know that college students get busy and have erratic sleep schedules. But they should make it a priority to check in regularly with their student and trust their instincts if they think something isn’t quite right.” 

Peers

When you’re in college, you spend pretty much all of your time with your peers. You live with them, eat with them, and attend classes together. Chances are that peers will notice changes in a student experiencing trauma first.

Trauma symptoms your peers may display include:

• Frequent discussion of negative feelings
• Ongoing sadness or depression
• Emotional outbursts 
• Decline in physical appearance 
• Unhealthy habits or practices
• Concerning alcohol or substance use 
• Withdrawing from social settings or isolation
• Self-harming behaviors or talking about suicide

“A lot of the onus when it comes to mental health concerns is put on college students’ peers. They’re also young people, so it’s a lot to ask of them,” said Kathy. “Universities can help students care for each other through education and regular discussion of mental health issues and how to respond if they think someone is in need.”

What to Do When You See Signs of Trauma

If you see signs of trauma, what do you do next? The simple way to remember the best course of action is the triple Rs: recognize, respond, and refer. These three steps can help the campus community reach out to a student in need. 

Recognize

Intentionally watch for the signs of trauma. Check-in with students regularly and ask if they’re OK. Make sure students know that they can talk to you about anything that’s bothering them. The goal is for them to understand that their feelings, regardless of what they are, are valid and you’re a safe person to share them with.

Respond

If you see signs of trauma, you must respond. Response means having a one-on-one conversation with the student. Tell them specifically what you’ve noticed and ask whether they’re OK. Remember to educate them on the importance of seeking help and normalize the practice. 

Refer

Guide the students to seek professional help on campus with school counselors or outside treatment facilities. Provide resources and research to help back up your referral. When extreme conditions arise, understand how to handle the emergency and try to diffuse it to the best of your ability. 

“If you think a student is in danger of harming themselves or someone else, contact emergency services immediately,” Kathy said. 

Help from Integrative Life Center

Trauma is all too common in students, and adjusting to college life can be extremely distressing in itself. If you or someone you love needs trauma treatment, Integrative Life Center is here to help. We offer various therapies to help people process and heal from trauma while learning to recognize and cope with triggers in the future. Contact us today to learn more.

The post Recognizing the Signs of Trauma in Students appeared first on Integrative Life Center.

source https://integrativelifecenter.com/recognizing-the-signs-of-trauma-in-students/

Alcoholism in College Students: Understanding the Risks

Peer pressure, stress, lack of sleep, and easy access to alcohol all contribute to alcoholism in college students. This addiction can have various negative consequences, such as academic problems, health issues, and relationship difficulties. 

It’s crucial for college students to be aware of the dangers of excessive drinking and to seek help if they think they may have a problem. Support from friends, family, and campus resources can be crucial in overcoming alcoholism and maintaining sobriety.

What is Considered Alcoholism?

Alcohol use disorder is a serious condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It’s a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol that significantly affects an individual’s functioning. A key trait of alcohol use disorder is the inability to stop drinking despite attempts to quit and negative consequences.

“An earmark of any addiction is an inability to stop the behavior,” said William Feck, LPC-MHSP, NCC, Therapist at Integrative Life Center. “Unfortunately, the addiction usually is formed when the person realizes they can’t stop.”

Alcoholism can have many physical, psychological, and social effects on a person, as well as their family and friends. It’s crucial to understand what alcoholism is to recognize its signs and symptoms, get help for those experiencing it, and prevent it from occurring in the first place.

Alcohol addiction can lead to physical, emotional, and social problems. Having alcohol use disorder means a person’s drinking causes distress or harm and meets specific criteria, such as tolerance (needing more to feel the same effects), withdrawal symptoms if alcohol isn’t consumed, and spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from its effects.

Risk Factors for Alcoholism in College Students

College students are at a higher risk of developing alcoholism than other age groups due to stress, peer pressure, and access to alcohol. 

“College creates a sort of perfect storm for students because alcohol use is encouraged and expected socially,” William said. “At the same time, their brains are not fully developed and unable to handle higher-level decision making. Young people often think they’re invincible and somehow protected from the consequences of their actions.”

Alcoholism can lead to serious health and social problems and decreased academic performance. College students need to be aware of the risk factors associated with alcoholism so that they can take steps to prevent it. 

Factors that can increase the risk of alcoholism in college students include:

• Unhealthy Coping and Dependence. Coping with stress, anxiety, or other emotional issues through the use of alcohol can lead to an increased risk of developing alcohol use disorder and other substance use issues. Be mindful of how you cope with emotions to lessen the risk of dependence and addiction.
• Frequency of Use and Tolerance. The frequency of drinking and the amount consumed can greatly impact the risk of developing alcohol use disorder. Regular heavy drinking can lead to tolerance, or the body’s ability to handle higher amounts of alcohol without showing signs of intoxication. This tolerance can increase over time and make it more difficult for an individual to recognize when they have reached their limit, leading to an increased risk of developing alcoholism.
• Avoiding Mental Health Assistance. Avoiding mental health treatment or support can increase the risk of relying on alcohol as a coping mechanism, leading to dependence and alcoholism.
• Mixing Substances. Mixing alcohol with other drugs or prescription medications can increase the risk of negative health consequences, including overdose, and increase the risk of developing alcoholism.

Factors Contributing to College Drinking

Many factors contribute to drinking among college students. These seem innocuous at first but can quickly develop into habitual drinking.

One of the main factors contributing to college drinking is the permissive environment. College campuses are often associated with a party culture and a lax attitude toward alcohol, making it seem acceptable to engage in excessive drinking. Additionally, the pressure to fit in and conform to social norms can lead students to drink more than they otherwise would.

Another factor is the overwhelming workload and stress that many college students face. Drinking can seem like an easy way to cope with stress and anxiety, but it can quickly develop into a problematic habit.

Underlying mental health issues also can contribute to college drinking. For example, students with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions may turn to alcohol to cope with their symptoms. But it can worsen mental health problems and lead to a cycle of dependence.

Finally, the idea of social normalcy can also contribute to college drinking. Many students believe drinking is a normal and expected part of the college experience and may not realize the potential consequences of excessive alcohol use.

College students must understand the factors contributing to college drinking and be aware of the dangers of excessive alcohol use. Seeking help, if necessary, can help individuals overcome alcoholism and achieve long-term recovery.

“It’s easy to understand why college students might want to forget about all of the pressure and stress for a while,” William stated. “But they have to find healthy ways to relieve the pressure they’re under. Alcohol isn’t the way to regularly cope. Using alcohol as a tool for coping is far too risky.” 

Consequences of Alcoholism in College Students

Alcoholism is a serious problem among college students, with potentially devastating consequences. Researchers estimate that 80% of college students drink alcohol, which is a higher percentage than the non-college population in the same age range. Of those, about 10% qualify as having alcohol use disorder, and excessive drinking or binge drinking is prominent among college students. 

Excessive drinking can impact a student’s academic performance, physical and mental health, relationships, and future career prospects. It can also increase the risk of accidents, injury, and legal problems. 

Understanding the consequences of alcoholism is important to make informed decisions about alcohol use and seek help if necessary. This information can help students recognize the dangers of excessive drinking and make positive changes to protect their health and well-being. The consequences of alcoholism in college students can be significant and can include the following.

Failing Grades

One of the significant consequences of alcoholism in college students is a falling GPA. Excessive drinking can interfere with a student’s ability to focus and retain information, leading to poor academic performance and declining grades. It can have long-term consequences for a student’s future, causing them to lose scholarships necessary to stay in school or limiting their career prospects.

Developing Addiction

Another consequence of alcohol use is the development of addiction. Over time, excessive drinking can lead to the development of alcohol use disorder. Addiction makes it difficult for people to stop drinking, even if they want to. It also causes a host of mental and physical health issues.

Declining Mental Health

Alcoholism can worsen existing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, and contribute to new mental health problems. It can significantly impact a student’s quality of life and well-being.

Injury, Physical Abuse, or Death

Another serious consequence of alcoholism is the potential for injury, physical abuse, or death. Excessive drinking can increase the risk of accidents, physical abuse, and overdose, leading to injury or death. Additionally, alcohol can impair judgment and increase the risk of engaging in dangerous behaviors, such as drunk driving or risky sexual behaviors, which can have serious legal and physical consequences.

How to Address Alcoholism in College Students

Alcoholism is a serious issue among college students and can have long-term consequences. 

“It’s the job of adults surrounding these students to make sure they understand the real dangers — now and in the future — of the lifestyle decisions they make today,” William said. “Addiction forms quickly and lasts a lifetime. Once you’re in recovery, you’re always working to stay sober.”

College officials and parents must take steps to reduce the risks associated with alcohol use, such as providing education about responsible drinking and offering support services to those who need help. 

Additionally, students need to be aware of the signs of alcoholism to identify when a friend or classmate may be developing a problem. 

By proactively addressing this issue, college campuses, parents, and friends can ensure that students stay safe and healthy.

To help address alcoholism in college students:

• Provide Alcohol Education. Providing information about the dangers of excessive drinking and the risks associated with alcoholism can help students make informed decisions about their alcohol use.
• Create a New Social Norm. Encouraging a culture of moderation and promoting healthy coping mechanisms can help reduce the pressure to engage in excessive drinking.
• Create Support Systems. Encouraging students to seek support from friends, family, and campus mental health resources can help them cope more positively with stress or other issues, overcome alcoholism, and maintain sobriety.
• Encourage Professional Help. Seeking help from a healthcare provider or substance use treatment program can be crucial in overcoming alcoholism and achieving long-term recovery. Treatment may include therapy, medication, and support groups. College students need to know that seeking help for alcoholism is a sign of strength and that recovery is possible.

How Can ILC Help?

Alcoholism is a problem for college students. It can negatively affect their lives, now and in the future. Thankfully, various substance abuse treatments can help individuals with alcoholism. College students need to know that seeking help for alcoholism is a sign of strength and that recovery is possible. Individuals can overcome their addictions and lead fulfilling lives with the proper support.

If you or a loved one has issues with alcohol, contact Integrative Life Center to learn more about our treatment programs and plans.

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