If you are worried about yourself or if you have been affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use, you can let us know using the You Report, We Support form.
What is alcohol addiction or abuse?
Alcohol misuse refers to drinking in a manner, situation, amount, or frequency that could cause harm to the person who drinks or to those around them. Alcohol misuse includes binge drinking and heavy alcohol use.
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a disease that can affect anyone. Regardless of how the addiction looks, someone typically has an alcohol addiction if they heavily rely on drinking and cannot stay sober for an extended period of time.
It is important to note that alcoholism is a real disease. It can cause changes to the brain and neurochemistry, so a person with an alcohol addiction may not be able to control their actions.
What is drug addiction or abuse?
Drug abuse is something that can affect people from all backgrounds. Anyone can be affected, regardless of gender, age, race, education, wealth, and religion. While taking drugs for the first time is generally down to choice, nobody does so with the intent of becoming addicted.
Drug addiction can affect anyone.
Although the signs of drug abuse vary depending on the drug being abused, there are some common symptoms that indicate a problem may exist. These can include:
- Severe mood swings where the person is depressed one minute and then suddenly becomes happy and carefree
- Becoming increasingly isolated and withdrawn and spending more time alone
- Neglecting personal hygiene and grooming
- Losing interest in activities and hobbies that the person has previously enjoyed
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping more than usual
Why should I be concerned?
A reliance or addiction to alcohol or drugs can seriously damage your mental health, but there is support available. Alcohol and drugs are powerful substances that can have a negative impact on both your physical and mental health.
If you regularly drink or take drugs you can become dependent on them. Drinking or taking drugs can also affect your mental health, resulting in mood changes, loss of motivation, anxiety, depression and in some cases hallucinations or episodes of psychosis.
Some people use alcohol or drugs to help them deal with mental health problems (this is called self-medication) and whilst it may offer temporary relief, regularly using alcohol or drugs could be creating other problems.
Do you need immediate help?
Are you in immediate danger? If you are in immediate danger or seriously unwell call 999.
If an incident has just happened, try to find somewhere you feel safe. If you are at the University, you can call the Campus Safety Officers on 07720 166090 or go to your nearest University building and ask someone to phone for you.
What support is available?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) ‘Our purpose is to stay sober ourselves and help others who turn to us to get sober too. AA meetings are where you will feel supported, where you can feel you belong.’Â
Narcotics Anonymous in the United Kingdom (UKNA) ‘If you have a problem with drugs, we are recovering drug addicts who can help you get and stay clean.’
Drugfam offer support for families, friends and partners affected by someone else’s addiction to drugs or alcohol. Call their helpline 0300 888 3853.
Talk to Frank offer honest information and advice about drugs (including alcohol). Call FRANK 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 0300 123 6600.
No Limits offer free information, advice and help to young people under the age of 26 in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton
Change Grow Live are the Southampton Drug and Alcohol recovery service and provide a range of information, help and advice, including for those affected by drug and alcohol use.
Mind Find support options for drug and alcohol problems, and for your mental health.
If you need treatment for drug addiction, you're entitled to NHS care in the same way as anyone else who has a health problem. Your GP is a good place to start and they can discuss your problems with you and get you into treatment.
The University offers wellbeing support through the Mental Health and Wellbeing Team. Details of the services available and to book an appointment, please visit our portal page.
Visit the Student Hub for advice and information about the complaints process or to discuss submitting extenuating circumstances if your studies have or are being affected.
