79 78 Behavioral Concerns Substance Abuse and Addictive Problems Alcohol makes up the vast majority of substance-related problems on American college campus. Based on recent research, approximately 67% of college students reported alcohol use in the past year, and 38% of them reported alcohol use in the past 30 days (Narcotics Division, Security Bureau, HKSAR, 2016). The use of illicit drug among American college students is another major concern. According to the statistics of the Central Registry of Drug Abuse of the Narcotics Division (2017), the top three reasons for the youth who abused drugs were: Methamphetamine, also called crystal meth, was found to be the most widely used drug across Hong Kong among all age groups, with women under 21 being a key demographic in users. Patterns of student alcohol and substance abuse are affected by many factors, including gender, individual characteristics (e.g., sensation seeking, impulsiveness, lower self-control), lack of parental supervision, family history of alcoholism or substance abuse, peer pressure, school stress, substance availability, or undiagnosed mental health problems. Students who persistently abuse alcohol or substances may utilize them in an attempt to deal with the many stressors in university life. However, as a result of the alcohol and substance abuse, they usually experience an array of problems, including academic difficulties (e.g., declining grades), health-related problems (e.g., physical disabilities, dependence, overdose, alcohol poisoning or even death), relationship issues (e.g., unsafe sex, or sexual assault), as well as behavioral problems and legal consequences (e.g., drunk driving, vandalism, assaults). Chapter Five: Supporting Students with Mental Health Difficulties Chapter Five: Supporting Students with Mental Health Difficulties References Narcotics Division, Security Bureau, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2016). The 2014/2015 Survey of Drug Use among Students (DIC Library Code for Report 362.299 NAR8030). Retrieved from http://www.nd.gov. hk/pdf/survey_drug_use/2014-2015/FullReport.pdf Narcotics Division, Security Bureau, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2017). Central Registry of Drug Abuse Statistics. Retrieved from http://www.nd.gov.hk/en/statistics_list.htm RELIEF OF MENTAL STATES like boredom, depression or stress CURIOSITY PEER PRESSURE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS • Decline in class attendance tardiness, disappearance from class for long periods of time, sick more frequently • Decline in academic performance missed deadlines, not performing at usual level of competence • Physical signs bloodshot eyes and frequent bloody noses, neglect of personal hygiene, slurred speech, tremors • Behavioral signs avoiding eye contact, fatigue, hyperactiveness, change in daily routines • Changes in mood depression, emotional instability, anger, irritability, hostility and outbursts • Unusual need for money and financial problems e.g. e.g. e.g. e.g. e.g.
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