We have been working to analyse the data on student substance use from our recent study, and we would like to share some of the initial findings – a report on these can be found here: https://mentalhealth.amle.ie/amle-research/.
Overall, 37.9% of students said that they had ever used an illicit substance, while 22% said they had used them within the past year (we classified these as current users). The overwhelming majority of both previous and current users used cannabis (91%/94%) followed by cocaine (23%/37%), followed by ecstasy (12%/28%). Most use or have used substances to have fun or more fun (51%/47%) or to relax (11%/ 24%). Concerningly, 14% of both previous and current substance users did so to self-medicate emotional distress.
Those who have used substances within the past year have reported engagement in some problematic behaviours; for example:
- 41% said they had had a blackout or flashback
- 44% said they had felt guilty about their drug use, and
- 19% said they have had withdrawal symptoms
Some behaviours students reported having repeatedly engaged in due to their substance use:
- 16% said they had been unable to remember what they had said or done on three or more occasions
- 15% said they had engaged in unprotected sex, and
- 8% said they had gotten into a fight on three or more occasions
However, for those who report having used substances in the past 12 months, most (68%) report only occasional use, and most report that over the past 12 months their use has stayed the same (38%) or decreased (42%). Only 22% feel that they take too much drugs, and only 15% say their substance use is a problem.
Very few participants (whether a current or previous substance user) have sought help for related issues (7%), but the majority of participants (61%) know where to get help should they or a friend need it. The vast majority of participants (82%) also think that drugs are an issue among students.
Overall, while the percentage of participants in our study is down compared to the most recent previous study (DUHEI, 2021: https://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/35515/), and while many of those currently using substances either don’t use them very often or seem to be reducing their use, many participants are still engaging in repeated problematic behaviours. Of concern is the percentage of participants reporting self-medication behaviour for emotional distress, and information campaigns may be needed to address these issues.
Notes:
This study was funded by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, and was conducted in partnership with Dr Elaine Murray in Ulster University. The study is not nationally representative due to sample size. Alcohol was not included in this study as the questions were aimed at the use of illicit substance or substances used other than their prescribed or intended use.
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