Drug Use by University Students: How Should We Respond?

Drug Use by University Students: How Should We Respond?

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In this paper it is argued that responses to both legal and illegal drug use by university students should be focussed, for most students, on harm reduction.The use of drugs by young people is common behaviour, and despite the efforts of numerous world governments, the supply of illegal drugs is increasing, and with it the number of illegal drug users.Most of this drug use is experimental or recreational rather than problematic and dependent, and most young people cease using illegal drugs and curtail their use of alcohol as they develop adult responsibilities.There are, nevertheless, many dangers associated with the use of all drugs.For the illegal drugs, these dangers are often related to the very fact that the drugs are illegal (unknown purity, unsafe injecting, inadequate education Canvas Mesh Athletic Running Shoes about how to avoid harm).

As it is impossible to stop young people using drugs until they are ready to do so, it is argued that we must adopt a harm reduction approach and assist them to use drugs as safely as possible.In the university context, this means asking routinely but non-judgementally about drug use (including alcohol) when inquiring about health matters, being alert for signs of drug use, making the most of any harm reduction opportunities, and ensuring that harm reduction information is readily available to students via a wide range of means.Harm reduction is also appropriate for those who are experiencing difficulties in relation arrethe bush balm to their drug use, and who want to help to reduce or cease their use, as relapse is very common.For this group, however, ensuring access to appropriate counselling to assist them to reduce or cease their use is also important.