This year Addiction Awareness Week is running from October the 28th until November the 4th and the theme is ‘Everybody Knows Somebody.’ In it’s third year it aims to:
‘unmask addiction, to shed light on the battles fought in the shadows, the victories won in silence, and the indomitable human spirit that perseveres.’
This year’s theme will debunk some of the myths about addiction and continue the work to destigmatise addiction. Substance use disorder is classified as a mental illness, and is often simply referred to as ‘addiction.’ The amount of people struggling with substance abuse is more than most would think.
Through this blog I want to share some figures around addiction that go beyond the stereotypical image we may hold, why it’s important to recognise addication on campus and share my friend Kieran’s story.
Stories of addiction, loss and grief can be hard and in some cases triggering, if you are affected by anything raised in this blog you can contact Guild Advice for support by emailing guildadvice@liv.ac.uk or coming along to drop in appointment between 1pm and 4pm weekdays.
Addiction: A Broad Picture
According to NHS figures, over 7.5 million people in the UK show signs of alcohol dependence.[1] During the pandemic this figure rose to 8.5 million adults drinking at high risk, while the number of people addicted to opiates seeking help in April 2020 was at the highest level since 2015.[2] In 2022, the Office for National Statistics found that amongst adults aged 16-59, 1.3 million people in the UK consider their drug use ‘frequent.’[3] Unfortunately, the ‘addiction services in England are not equipped to treat the soaring numbers,’ following the ‘deep cuts made to addiction services since 2013/2014.’ [4]
Additionally, the National Institute for Mental Health has made it clear that other mental health issues can contribute to substance use and Substance use disorder. They state that,
‘Studies found that people with a mental disorder, such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder may use drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication.’[5]
Yet, despite addiction being a recognised mental health disorder it continues to be stigmatised across health providers, media and society as a whole. Commonly used terms referring to people struggling with an addiction often reflect the misconception that substance use disorder and the related behaviours are a choice, rather than a compulsion. This leads to the belief that they are to blame for their medical condition. The National Institute on Drug Abuse writes that ‘studies show that terms like ‘junkie’ and ‘addict’ feed negative biases and dehumanize people.’[6] Moreover treating substance abuse as a criminal activity can also contribute to the stereotype of people who use drugs as being dangerous and a risk to society.[7]
It comes as no surprise that the lack of funding coupled with the stigma surrounding addiction has made it increasingly difficult for individuals to reach out for support or to receive adequate care.
Addiction & University Life
Now let’s throw in another factor. Imagine being a student with an addiction. Often students don’t fit the stereotypes image of a person with an addiction, it can be masked by excuses such as being “young”, “experimenting” or feeling the pressure to participate in university life and culture. However, the numbers of students facing addiction on campuses across the UK are rising In November 2021 Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS) conducted a survey asking students about their experiences of drugs and alcohol during their time at university.
Some key findings were that:
- 74% agree that drinking and getting drunk is part of university culture
- 47% of respondents agreed that students take drugs to fit in with their peers
- UK students and international students from the EU are more likely to agree that taking drugs is part of university/college culture than non-EU international students.
Evidently, drugs and alcohol are having an impact on campus life despite the concerted efforts universities take. However, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that a ‘no tolerance’ approach is limited and often reductive in tackling the issue. Moreover, the idea of ‘addiction’ is slowly evolving to a more encompassing image, that includes understanding that young people like university students can also struggle with addiction. The Times Higher Education notes that ‘students starting their first year of university undergo a significant shift in lifestyle that can be both challenging and exhilarating.’[8] For some this leads to leaning on certain coping mechanisms such as self-medicating with substances.
Unfortunately, for students in this position the attitude is usually a ‘no tolerance’ approach viewing the situation as an act of misconduct. This coupled with the lack of specific addiction support catered to students can make life increasingly difficult and unmanageable, leading to student poor academic performance, withdrawing , or for some death. This is why AAW is crucial to challenging addiction stigmas and stereotypes so that we can ensure people are receiving the help they need. It is especially important that we challenge the belief that drugs and alcohol are just ‘university culture,’ this harmful stereotype is preventing people from reaching out for support and from universities ensuring they have adequate support in place.
Kieran’s Story
Fitting with this year’s theme “Everybody Knows Somebody” I want to share the story of my friend Kieran. Kieran was 22 when he passed away two days before Christmas on the 23rd December 2022. He was in his first year of studying Medicine at the University of Liverpool and struggling with alcoholism. Kieran didn’t recognise his addiction until very late, because he didn’t fit the stereotype of an alcoholic. It was easier to shrug it off as ‘I like a drink,’ rather than accept it was a problem. And because of the stigma associated with addiction, Kieran was scared to ask for help he struggled to find the right support and tragically passed away.. It is because of these stigmas and stereotypes that Kieran no longer walks among us, no longer laughs with us or studies with us. Kieran had his entire future ahead of him. He was an aspiring A&E doctor, an avid Rugby fan and a caring friend. Kieran’s story is why we need to keep talking about addiction, to recognise how many people struggling, to understand that it is not a choice but a disorder and to urge our government to fund addiction services.
Make a change: The stereotypical beliefs around addiction and the stigma attached are gradually being challenged by campaigns such as ‘Addiction Awareness Week.’
You can find out more about the work they do and how you can get involved here: https://www.actiononaddiction.org.uk/AAW2023
Support:
If you, or someone you know, is suffering with addiction, help is here.
Liverpool:
We Are With You: https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/services/liverpool-central/
Liverpool Drug and Alcohol Services: https://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/our-services/liverpool/drug-and-alcohol-services
Guild Advice: ? guildadvice@liv.ac.uk
Health Assured a 24/7 helpline for students: 0800 028 3766
FRANK: 0300 123 6600