Addiction in schools and universities

Walk through any sixth form common room or university halls, and you will find vapes, marijuana, alcohol, and often more. Substance use among teenagers and students is widespread, and it looks different now than it did a generation ago. Vaping has introduced nicotine addiction to teenagers who would never have smoked. Study drugs like amphetamines blur the line between performance and dependence. Binge drinking remains a fixture of student life. Most young people will experiment and move on, but for some, experimentation becomes a life-altering addiction.

This guide is for young people worried about their own substance use, and for parents or guardians concerned about their child.

Why are young people more vulnerable to addiction?

Our brains continue developing until our mid-20s. The prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and understanding consequences, is the last to mature. This is why teenagers and young adults are more likely to take risks, and why those risks can have lasting effects.

Substances affect developing brains more powerfully than adult brains. What might be occasional use for a 35-year-old can become dependence much faster in a 19-year-old.

The age someone first uses a substance matters enormously. Research shows that people who start drinking before age 15 are four to six times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who wait until 21. The majority of adults with substance use disorders started using before 18, and developed their addiction by age 20. Similarly, around three-quarters of adult smokers started before their 18th birthday.

Add in the pressures of adolescence, like exams, peer pressure, identity questions, and the transition to university, and substance use can quickly become a dangerous coping mechanism. Once you are using drugs or alcohol to manage stress or the challenges of life, addiction becomes a major risk.

What does substance use in young people look like?

The substances young people use have changed over the years, but some patterns remain consistent.

Alcohol is still the most common. Binge drinking is normalised in student culture, with pre-drinks, drinking games, and nights out where the entire goal is to get as drunk as possible. Many young people drink in ways that would be considered alarming in any other context but are treated as a rite of passage at university. According to a 2022 survey, 81% of UK students believe drinking and getting drunk are part of university culture, and 76% feel it’s expected of them. Around half of university students fall into higher-risk drinking categories, with consumption typically highest during their first year.

Cannabis is widely seen as harmless, especially among teenagers. However, the cannabis available today is significantly stronger than it was a generation ago. Regular cannabis use during adolescence is linked to increased risk of psychosis, anxiety disorders, and cognitive impairment.

Stimulants are increasingly common among students, and not just for partying but for studying, too. Cocaine, MDMA, and prescription stimulants like Adderall are all used to socialise but also to stay awake, focus, or get through exam periods. Mixing substances is also very common and significantly increases the risk of overdose, heart problems, and mental health issues.

Vaping has exploded among teenagers. A quarter of 11 to 15-year-olds in England have now tried vaping, with almost one in ten vaping regularly. Among 18 to 24-year-olds, vaping prevalence has increased fivefold over the past decade, and over a third of young adult vapers have never regularly smoked. Despite this, a major 2025 review found that teenagers who vape are around three times more likely to go on to smoke tobacco than those who don’t.

What are the warning signs of addiction?

For parents, the signs of addiction can be hard to distinguish from normal teenage behaviour. However, some of the earliest indications that something might be wrong include:

• Changes in sleep, appetite, mood, or energy levels 
• A sudden change in social circles, especially away from old friends toward a new group you don’t know
• Declining academic performance
• Increased secrecy or lying
• Money disappearing without explanation

Physical signs vary by substance but can include:

• Bloodshot eyes
• Unusual smells on clothing
• Weight changes
• Frequent nosebleeds

For young people reading this and wondering whether you have a problem, the fact you are asking that is a big red flag. Other warning signs include:

• Using substances to cope rather than socialise or celebrate
• Needing more than you used to
• Not being able to stop even if you want to

It can be hard to recognise you need help, especially if all your friends drink heavily or take drugs regularly. But comparing yourself to others is not a good measure of your own situation. If you have lost control of substance use, or keep drinking or taking drugs even though it is causing you harm, you should speak to your parents or seek professional support.

How to have the conversation with your child

Your instinct might be to get upset, confront, accuse, or issue ultimatums. That rarely works, and often damages the trust you’ll need if your child is going to accept help.

The best approach is always a calm, non-judgmental conversation. Lead with concern, listen before you talk, and ask questions rather than making accusations. This will make it clear that you want to understand the situation and help however you can. Your child is more likely to be honest if they believe you’ll respond with support rather than anger.

Be prepared for denial. That doesn’t mean you’re wrong, but addiction often comes with defensiveness, because admitting the problem means having to do something about it.

Remember, one conversation may not be enough, so stay calm and keep the door open. In time, your child will hopefully open up, and you can take the next steps together.

What to do if you’re worried about a friend

Young people’s friends often notice there is an issue before parents, particularly when children are away at university. If you’ve noticed changes in your friend, like drinking or using drugs more, missing lectures, or withdrawing from the group, speak to them about it. You can keep it really simple, and just say: “I’ve seen you drinking a lot more lately and I wanted to check you’re okay.”

They may brush you off or get defensive, and that’s normal. But knowing someone has noticed and cares can matter more than you’d think. If you’re really concerned, you can speak to Primrose Lodge for advice on how to help.

What treatment and support is available for young people?

If you’re at university, you can start with the support services available to you. Most universities have counselling teams, wellbeing services, and sometimes specific drug and alcohol support. These are confidential and free.

For more serious dependence, or when the environment itself is part of the problem, residential rehab at a centre like Primrose Lodge may be the right choice. We offer medical detox, a comprehensive rehab therapy programme, and thorough aftercare and ongoing support. We can help support any co-occurring mental health issues you are having, and ensure you have everything you need for recovery.

We know that leaving university temporarily can feel like failure, but it’s not. Taking a semester out to get well is prioritising your future and will help you go back to education ready to succeed.

Contact Primrose Lodge for expert advice and support

If you’re a young person worried about your own drinking or drug use, or a parent who doesn’t know where to start, Primrose Lodge can help. We offer free, confidential advice and can talk you through what’s happening. We are not here to judge or pressure you into anything, just to provide honest, expert support. Contact us today to learn more about the treatment and support available.