This week marks SOS-UK’s Student Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week: a national campaign dedicated to opening honest conversations around drugs and alcohol, challenging stigma, and ensuring that all students feel supported, informed, and safe.
This week marks SOS-UK’s Student Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week: a national campaign dedicated to opening honest conversations around drugs and alcohol, challenging stigma, and ensuring that all students feel supported, informed, and safe.
University life is full of new experiences, and conversations about drugs and alcohol are often part of that journey. However, perceptions don’t always match reality. Research from SOS-UK highlights that students often overestimate drug use among their peers, with 91% believing students used drugs before coming to university, and 87% believing it’s common once they arrive. 21% of respondents report currently using drugs. These findings show that while discussions about substance use are widespread, actual engagement is far less than assumed.
Interestingly, 51% of students said they don’t have an issue with peers using drugs recreationally, and 48% believe student drug use isn’t as problematic as it’s often portrayed. These figures suggest that while drug and alcohol use exists within our community, many students view it with a sense of balance and understanding, recognising the importance of personal choice, harm reduction, and informed decision-making.
This research correlates with our own student feedback, where our students have asked the Guild to take a more proactive approach on reducing harm; to better inform themselves and support their peers.
At the Guild, we want to make sure that no student feels judged or isolated for seeking help. If you’re struggling with alcohol or substance use, or simply want to learn more about safe practices, there are a range of support services available to you:
- The University of Birmingham’s Better Than Well programme is the first university-led Collegiate Recovery Program in the UK. It offers peer-to-peer support, social events, and weekly meetings for students in recovery, helping them maintain abstinence-based wellbeing in a supportive academic environment.
- For those looking to monitor or moderate their alcohol consumption, the Drink Aware app and Alcohol Change unit tracker are great tools to set goals and stay informed about your drinking habits.
- If you’re seeking clear, confidential advice about drugs, Talk to FRANK provides reliable information and 24/7 support at 0300 123 6600.
- Locally, Change Grow Live offers free, non-judgemental help and treatment for young people across Birmingham and the West Midlands.
The reality is that drugs and alcohol can have both short- and long-term effects on our wellbeing, relationships, and academic life. The best advice is always not to take drugs, but if you do, please make sure you know what you’re taking, understand the risks, and take steps to stay safe.
As your Welfare and Community Officer, I recognise that there’s always more we can do. The Guild is committed to facilitating open discussions, reducing stigma, and signposting to vital support. Moving forward, we’ll be working closely with the University to develop stronger frameworks around harm reduction, education, and recovery support, ensuring that every student feels empowered to make informed choices and access help without fear of judgment.
If you are seeking support for any of the content mentioned above, please get in touch with me at: welfare@guild.bham.ac.uk.
Want to win £100? Complete the SOS-UK anonymous survey on your experiences with drugs and alcohol as a student by 7 December. The survey is open to everyone, you don't have to drink or use drugs to take part.
Abby Kenrick, Your Welfare and Community Officer 2025-26.