Addiction and Recovery Support
Addictions can take many forms but there is support available
Addictions can take many forms among university students, it’s important to note that addiction can negatively impact our physical and mental health, as well as, academic and personal life. An addiction refers to a complex condition or illness characterised by the compulsive/excessive engagement in a particular behaviour despite negative consequences. Find out more information below on common addictions. Also familiarise yourself with our Student Policy on Alcohol and Drugs.
Student Policy on Alcohol and Drugs-
Drugs & Alcohol
If you're worried about your drinking or someone else's drinking you can always talk to someone at the University Health Centre, your GP, one of the SU Student Officers or the submit a student contact form
The government advises that people should not regularly drink more than the daily unit guidelines of 3-4 units of alcohol for men (equivalent to a pint and a half of 4% beer) and 2-3 units of alcohol for women (equivalent to a 175 ml glass of wine). ‘Regularly’ means drinking every day or most days of the week.
DAISY is a youth treatment service that provides person-centred programmes for young adults to help reduce the harm caused by their substance misuse
Do you know the health effects of alcohol?
The NHS website contains a number of useful articles and resources under their Drinking and Alcohol section: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/alcohol/Pages/Alcoholhome.aspx
Drink Aware has lots of useful information about the short and long term effects of alcohol. Click here to visit their website and get a better understanding of your own drinking and to help you make a decision on whether it’s time to rethink your approach to alcohol.
Below are some interesting articles contained on their website:
PSNI
The PSNI have produced the below drug awareness leaflet to warn the community about the dangers of drug and substance abuse. It contains details of how different types of drugs can damage your health, and offers advice on how to spot signs of abuse in others:
- Don't let drugs hold you back from your full potential (opens as PDF)
EB Drugs and Alcohol Network
The East Belfast Drug and Alcohol Network have some great resources on accessing support services and details of organisations that help with drug and alcohol use.
Inspire Student Support Hub
- Check out the Student Virtual Bar on the Student Support Hub and test yourself for risk
- Gaming
Gaming now comes in many forms from mobiles, PCs and consoles and can connect us to people from all over the world. Gaming is fun, competitive, challenging, sociable, however, it can get a bit much and we find ourselves spending too much time playing games. In doing so, a gaming addiction can affect academic performance, students may miss class, neglect assignments or spend less time studying just to ‘complete the next level.’
Excessive gaming can lead to social isolation, low self-esteem, physical and mental health issues
If you are spotting signs of a gaming addiction visit YGAM for more help or reach out to student wellbeing who can help support you.
- Gambling
A recent survey commissioned by YGAM found that 264,000 students in the UK are at risk from gambling and half of those felt gambling got in the way of their academic performance. There are many types of gambling, arcades, betting, bingo, gaming machines, lottery.
Gambling can have a negative impact on your performance at University. It can impact your focus in class, your relationships, your finances, physical and emotional health. There are some changes you can spot if someone has a gambling problem. These include, missing lectures, secrecy, change in mood, chasing losses, borrowing money, unexplained debt, feeling anxious or worried.
You are not alone – talk to someone about gambling, speak to student wellbeing or visit YGAM for more information and support.
- Social Media
Spending too much time on Social can have various negative effects on Students.
Excessive amount of time spent of social media can lead to academic decline, decreased focus and concentration. Checking social media constantly can lead to distractions, reduced productivity, and disrupted sleep problems. Students addicted to social media may also struggle to manage their time effectively.
Consider screen time limits to 2-3 hours a day, use time management techniques and if it is affecting your wellbeing contact student wellbeing