"Some students feel the need to escape from the pressures of academics by using drugs, and college students have stated that academic stresses are one of the reasons why they drink alcohol," Director of Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) for MSU’s University Health and Wellbeing (UHW) Swapna Hingwe said.

Though students may turn to substance use to provide short-term relief from symptoms like anxiety, depression and stress, Hingwe said it can ultimately make these issues worse or create new mental health challenges.

“If you’re already at risk for a mental health disorder, drinking heavily or using drugs could lead to the development of new problems beyond those that prompted your self-medication in the first place,” Hingwe said. 

Using substances as a coping mechanism can often lead to dependency, reinforcing negative mental health patterns, hindering academic performance and discouraging individuals from seeking the help they need from professionals.

"Self-medication can delay or prevent you from seeking help," Hingwe said. "When you’re set on a course of self-medicating it can be hard to change direction and seek help."

Misusing substances can lead to harmful habits and health issues that may persist into adulthood, impacting long term well-being and success that may continue to be ignored or unnoticed by an individual.

"In a setting where substance use is associated with recreation — like tailgating, bars and parties — misuse behaviors often go unrecognized," human medicine freshman Arianna Paa said.

Higwe said signs that are recognized as self-medication includes an increase in tolerance, and using for stress, socializing, relieving boredom and to improve an individual's mood. 

There are several resources for Spartans seeking support, including MSU’s CAPS program, SAMHSA helpline, as well as Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC), who directly helps support students in their recovery process on campus. 

"A common misconception is that college students cannot develop a substance use disorder, and MSU's Collegiate Recovery Community helps to correct such misconceptions and address stigma through our initiatives, including Recovery Ally Training," MSU CRC Coordinator for MSU’s University Health and Wellbeing Dawn Kepler said.

Addressing the intersection of mental health and substance use is part of creating a healthier campus environment. By normalizing conversations around these issues, students and faculty alike can work together to reduce stigma, increase education and encourage early intervention.

"My greatest piece of advice for students is to truly believe that they are not alone in their issues – especially on a campus as big and diverse as MSU," Paa said. "There are good people here that want to help you and can relate to you, it is just a matter of seeking help."