Understanding Substance Misuse in University Life

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Substance misuse in university life may develop quietly. Using various substances may become part of daily routines. For example, students may use stimulants to study, using alcohol to socialize, unwind and/or relax, vape throughout the day or use cannabis or sleep aids to manage stress, which can gradually turn into patterns that affect health, academics and relationships. While these behaviours may begin as short-term coping strategies, they could evolve into forms of dependence that interfere with overall well-being. 

Substance misuse describes the use of alcohol or drugs in ways that increase the risk of harm or create problems, even if this does not meet the criteria for a diagnosed substance use disorder. Patterns such as needing more to feel the same effect, finding it difficult to cut back, or feeling dependent on substances to manage mood, stress or sleep can signal concern. Over time, this kind of use can disrupt sleep, concentration, memory, finances and social connections. It may raise the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder if it continues without support.  

  

Why University Students Are Vulnerable 

University environments introduce unique pressures. Academic competition, irregular schedules, disrupted sleep, financial concerns, drinking culture and the transition away from home all influence how students cope. Substance use and certain behaviours often become linked to specific emotions or situations, such as anxiety before exams, loneliness, fear of failure, burnout or unresolved trauma. 

Understanding the motivation behind use is an essential step in seeking help. Reflecting on questions such as “What am I using this substance or behaviour to manage?” or “What feeling am I trying to change?” can provide clarity. Health professionals can help students explore these questions, develop healthier coping strategies and reduce reliance on substances or compulsive behaviours. 

A Spectrum of Use: Harm Reduction, Warning Signs and Protective Factors 

Use of substances and behaviours exists on a spectrum that ranges from no use to occasional use to patterns that negatively impact daily functioning. Harm reduction meets people where they are and takes a respectful, non-judgmental approach. Strategies can include managing use, safer consumption techniques, awareness of interactions between substances, and recognition of personal triggers. 

Noticing signs of difficulty early may help prevent problems from escalating. For example, signs of concern may include needing more of something to feel the same effect, using alone or in secret, spending more money or time than intended, feeling anxious or irritable when not using, or observing a decline in academic performance and mood. These behaviours do not define a person. They signal that something important deserves attention. 

While they may not prevent substance misuse, several protective factors may reduce risk. For example, getting good-quality sleep, having supportive friendships, being physically active, effective time management, getting involved in campus life, and connecting with mentors. Building these supports makes it easier to navigate stress.

Harm reduction also involves practical actions such as setting limits, avoiding mixing substances, using them with trusted peers rather than alone, tracking changes in habits, and seeking reliable drug-safety information when needed. Students benefit from asking whether their current patterns feel manageable, whether they align with their values and whether they are helping or hindering long-term goals. 

Taking Action: Personal Reflection and Next Steps 

A simple place to start involves taking a few minutes to check in with yourself. The student wellness Substance Use Wellness Tool (SUWT) can be invaluable in understanding your own substance use. Reflect on how you manage stress, how your habits have changed over time and how they affect your sleep, finances, academic performance and relationships. Consider whether you know which resources are available and whether there may be healthier coping options. 

Student Wellness Services provides mental health support and substance use counselling. Reaching out early, even for a brief conversation, can help clarify concerns and prevent minor issues from escalating. 

Recovery and change take time, and it is normal for progress to shift in different directions. Substance misuse can affect students from every program, identity and background. Using person-first language and approaching these topics without judgment helps reduce stigma and makes room for honest conversations. Many students hesitate to seek help because they worry about being judged or misunderstood, or they fear that reaching out may affect their academic standing. 

At Queen’s, students can access a range of resources offering confidential, compassionate support. Student Wellness Services provides mental health therapy, medical care and substance use wellness coaching. The Campus Observation Room (COR) provides a safe space for supervised monitoring if a student is intoxicated or feeling unwell. COR has a unique opening period and hours. To learn more, visit here. Support therapy groups on campus create opportunities to speak with other students who understand the pressures of university life in a non-judgmental environment. 

Students can also connect with services in the Kingston community. One option is the Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) at the Integrated Care Hub, located at 661 Montreal Street, which provides supervised consumption in a harm-reduction setting. Information about local harm-reduction and substance-use services, including links to community programs and drug-checking options, is available through the Queen’s Substance Use Health page. These programs offer additional layers of support for students who want safer options or need guidance about substance use. 

Confidentiality is an integral part of care at Student Wellness Services. Information shared in appointments remains private, within the limits of safety. This approach ensures that students can ask questions, discuss substance use, and explore support options without concern that their academic record will be affected. 

A campus community that acknowledges addiction as a complex and sometimes hidden reality helps create a culture of care. Compassion, accurate information and accessible services encourage students to seek help sooner and with more confidence. When the community reduces stigma and supports healthier coping strategies, students are better able to reach out, connect with resources and build long-term wellness.

Sources

 https://www.mybib.com/j/PhysicalSaltyDogfish  

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. (n.d.). Treatment, Support and Recovery | Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. Ccsa.ca. Retrieved November 3, 2025, from https://www.ccsa.ca/en/guidance-tools-resources/substance-use-and-addiction/treatment-support-and-recovery?field_areas_of_expertise_target_id=10362 

KFL&A Public Health. (n.d.). Substance use health. Kflaph.ca. Retrieved November 3, 2025, from https://www.kflaph.ca/en/health-topics/substance-use-health.aspx 

National Harm Reduction Coalition. (2024). Foundations of Harm Reduction. National Harm Reduction Coalition. https://harmreduction.org/issues/harm-reduction-basics/foundations-harm-reduction-facts/ 

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018, June). Understanding Drug Use and Addiction: Drug Facts. National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institute of Health. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction