University is a time in a person’s life where they can really find themselves. It’s an opportunity to stand on your own two feet as well as enjoying new experiences and challenges.

While studying is at the heart of life at uni, there’s also the joys of independent living and a core part of that is the social element. However, with that comes pressures too, particularly when it comes to the likes of drugs and alcohol, and that can have a huge impact on a person’s life too.

In fact, visit any drug rehab across the country and you’ll find people who have had their life turned upside down as a result of experimenting with drugs at university and falling into a pathway of addiction. Recognising that that could be you is a critical first step that can not only save your time at university and studies, but the rest of your life too.

At universities across the UK, there is help out there and if you are struggling with drugs, here’s how you can get the help you need.

Understand the Problem

Naturally, before getting any help you need to acknowledge the problem and extent of it. If you’re reading this article then you may well have already acknowledged you do have a problem, but ask yourself how often you’re using drugs and how that’s affecting your life.

Consider how it’s affecting your academic life, finances, relationships and your mental health. Think about the reason as to why you’re using drugs. Is it to cope with stress or anxiety? Is it to seek certain thrills? By understanding more about your problem, it can help you get the right support for you.

Reach Out to University Counselling Services

From there you can reach out to university counselling services. Most unis across the UK offer free and confidential counselling services to their students and they can be a good starting point to start accessing the help you need.

Here you’ll find trained professionals that can further help you understand your problem and provide support and guidance on the next steps, whether it be seeking rehab treatment, developing coping strategies or finding support networks.

Access Student Support and Welfare Services

Alongside counselling, universities will also have student support and welfare teams that are brilliant for helping navigate personal challenges. They have helped thousands of people with drug problems before and can provide practical support as well as helping you access medical services and liasing with your tutors and lecturers, as it’s likely your studies will have been affected. Here they can explore extending deadlines, deferring for a year and so on so you can fully focus on your health and recovery.

Visit Your GP or University Health Centre

Consulting a healthcare professional is a must and on-campus there will be health centres where you can see a GP for medical advice and be referred to a specialist.

They can discuss the options for drug treatment, including the likes of detoxification, counselling and rehab programmes and start to put the wheels in motion to get the help needed.

Seek Support from External Organisations

Several external organisations in the UK specialise in helping individuals with drug-related issues. Organisations such as Frank (the national drug education service) offer confidential advice and information about drugs, including where to find local support services. Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provides a peer-led support network where you can connect with others who have experienced similar struggles. NA meetings are held regularly in most towns and cities across the UK, offering a supportive environment to share experiences and receive encouragement from others in recovery. Additionally, charities such as Mind and Rethink Mental Illness can provide support if your drug use is linked to mental health issues.

Build a Support Network

Dealing with drug issues can be incredibly isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Building a support network of friends, family, and professionals can make a significant difference in your recovery journey. Open up to someone you trust about your struggles; they can offer emotional support and help you stay accountable to your goals. It’s also worth considering joining a student group focused on well-being, where you can meet others who are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.