OUR MISSION
We are six third-year Pharmacy students, tasked with publicising the mental health implications of illicit drugs and alcohol consumption.
Disclaimer: The claims made on this blog are not our own; various credible resources are employed and cited throughout. This blog is designed for educational purposes and should not be used as an alternative for genuine medical advice. We are not healthcare professionals.
Here are a few views that are our own:
Amy-Rose: Sometimes being with a new group of people you can feel a need to fit in; if these groups are deciding to take drugs and drink excessively, you might feel the need to do the same. An important thing to remember if always maintain your sense of individuality and remember you have a choice, if people pressure you or punish you for your own views, it might be time to question if they are people you want to share your time with in the first place.
Anita: Drug and alcohol abuse is an issue that students can fall prey to, especially with the challenges that are faced on a day to day basis and the pressures to fit in but it is important to know the negative impact this can have on mental health but with the right support and advise it can be overcome.
Anna: Being at University brings many challenges, especially to people with mental health problems; however, I would advise every student to not deal with them in the wrong ways, as taking drugs and/or drinking does not solve the problems, conversely causes more. So, what would I say to them is ”Don’t risk your life anymore, make the first step and speak”.
Eden: Many of us seek distraction from life, from the every day stresses, students particularly are under a great amount of stress and often turn to nights out, alcohol and sometimes drugs for that bit of relief. For the most part, this can be done safely and be a good form of escapism, however it is important to also understand the negative impacts drugs and alcohol can have. Substances usually associated with fun can quickly become drains on our mental and physical health. It’s important to recognise these effects and provide support for those who need it and we aim to do so with this blog.
Huzefa: Alcohol and drug abuse is important to deal with in terms of mental health as not treating it can lead to potential exacerbations of symptoms of potential pre existing mental health conditions. Targeting the root cause of the mental health condition and targeting anything that could potentially exacerbate it such as drug and alcohol abuse is my mission.
Kieran: There is a lot of negative stigma associated with drug and alcohol addiction, which may put a strain on friendships. Whilst it is not your responsibility to stay friends with a person affected by addiction, a catch-up every now and then may make a world of difference to these people, who may have lost a lot of close friends, family and even their homes / livelihood. Establishing boundaries may be a helpful method of making these friendships work. Being cognisant of impaired judgement is essential to healthy relationships, and systemically removing the chance for things like theft by not leaving these people alone with your valuables can also help.