Stress Among College Students

Drugs and alcohol have a negative impact on the lives of college students. Ashley Miller of Demand Media writes that “22 percent of college students admitted to using illicit drugs, and 63.3 percent of college students identified as heavy drinkers” (Miller 1). There are many negative effects involved with using drugs and alcohol in college. Using these substances impacts a student’s performance in class. Students who tend to drink miss their classes because they are either too hungover or because they want to go party. Many students also dying from overdosing. Also alcohol and drugs can hurt your body emotionally and physically. These substances can harm your organs and also damage your brain functions. These substances can also have an effect

Drinking has become a tradition amongst college students, and drinking is portrayed as a vital part of the college experience. Most incoming college freshman come into college with a preexisting tendency to drink, and the college campus life can be a significant influence on alcohol consumption and the rate at which alcohol is consumed. Binge drinking is so common that it is expected of a college student to drink once getting into the university. The reasons in which students decide to binge drink can vary from students

For first year students coming straight from high school, college life can either be very exciting or overwhelming depending on how well one prepares for it. Some have the notion that college is fun and is all about partying, while some believe that it is an environment in which they can achieve the ultimate freedom thus escape the stringent rules made by their parents at home. Others look forward to experiencing a different learning environment while being exposed to different cultures and sharing different academic knowledge. Successful assimilation into college life is determined by the student’s capability to transform into the new role of a college student. Numerous students face challenges they have never experienced before which can

According to Lupien, McEwan, Gunnar, and Heim (2009), going off to college involves significant adjustments to their daily routines; sleeping and eating habits, time-management skills, and stress levels will be altered in one way or another. First-year students have to adjust to the new school environment, different social settings, and new schedules, all without the help and guidance from their parents, who have been there for them for eighteen years. Over 30% of college freshman report that they feel overwhelmed (Klainberg, Ewing, & Ryan, 2010), where some students even opt to work as they juggle their class and work schedules. Some students work at a job or study harder than others, but they are all trying to get degrees so maybe one day they will have meaningful and significant lives. It is a constant struggle for everyone who is trying desperately to make him or herself into a success. And every college student wants to be involved in society in a positive manner, allowing contribution of their ideals and values to others.

Introduction Entering college can be an overwhelming experience. For some entering college, the greatest fear is fear of the unknown. For others, the thought of adjusting to a world where you are forced to be an adult can be a terrifying reality. During this time, students adjust to balancing the demands of life while striving to find their place in the world. With this comes the prospect of both gains and losses.

Underage students drinking on college campuses has been a problem for countless years. Parents and professors look over the problem of students drinking and look at their college life in a positive way. They understand the students to be studying, making new friends, or working. Instead, an abundance of students are partying and drinking at these parties. The transformation from high school to college causes stress to the students. Therefore, instead of the students looking towards studying more, they start partying to solve their problems. Once they start partying, it gets harder for them to stop and they become depressed. Students drinking at college has become a provision for them, thinking it would help with their stress and problems rather than causing other predicaments.

These are just a few things that college kids deal with on a daily basis. College campuses have become more aware of the stress levels that students go through, and have made accommodations that are available for all students.

With college students, 18-24 years old, problematic drinking has developed into a public health issue across the country. High school student’s anticipation to attend college is at an all-time high due to the embracement of fraternity parties and the drinking that is encouraged, rather than getting an education or degree. I use the word “encouraged” because the partygoers are sometimes pressured to drink to have fun. Not only can alcohol become addictive but it can also lead to experiment with other drugs. In this paper the bio-psychosocial approach will be used to review what is prompting students to abuse alcohol.

College students, drinking heavily and using drugs is a persistent problem despite widespread initiatives that promote and limit drinking during and after college. Drinking in college is perceived to enhance socialization, bonding, and make one less inhibited. College, for some is characterized by a high level of freedom and low level of responsibility, and has been seen as time-out from the “real world”. Because many college students think this way, heavy drinking and narcotic use is permissible. Most students who participate in such behavior, seem to expect their future lifestyle to be burdensome and tedious, planning for the future with careers and children; great memories for the good times associated with drug use and drinking is expected.

Stress is the strongest reason why college students choose to binge drink undeterred by the short and long term consequences. The transition from high school to college is one fraught with change. The increased responsibility on the student is heaped

Alcohol is one of the most addictive drugs in the United States and the most prevalently used among college students. A mixture of stress that comes from school and sometimes work sometimes encourages college students to use this drug as a source of alleviation. This negative situation causes many cases of death, sexual assault, injury, unsafe sex, and academic failure. The overconsumption of alcohol is a major issue that can only be resolved through proper teaching of the harmful effects of alcohol and the proper way to handle stress.

Thus, the college years have developed into a time for finding oneself. Alcohol and drug abuse provide a means to conceal feelings of insecurity that arise from the students uncertainty of themselves. Substance abuse acts as a stress reducer through the beginning stages of college.

There isn’t a better, more comforting feeling, than coming home after a long, hard day at work or school and being welcomed at the door with a wagging tail, wet kisses, and an excited to see you face from your dog. For many, having any sort of interaction with a pet or animal is the ultimate cure to stress that is caused by work, people, and life. While not every college student is able to have a loving pet in their lives, even a momentary encounter with any animal can lower stress and anxiety levels. Multiple studies have proven that animals are a powerful form of stress relief by not only lowering blood pressure, but also lowering a dangerous stress hormone, cortisol, which is correlated with depression and anxiety. Interactions with animals have also proven to raise oxytocin levels, which are linked to pleasure, relaxation and happiness. Lowering stress and anxiety in college students will help them academically and socially throughout their college lives. College students will experience lower stress levels, a lower level of cortisol, and live a happier stress-free life by interacting with animals or pets throughout their time in college.

On a weekly basis, college students consume more alcohol to fit in with their peers. Prior research has shown how alcohol consumption can lead to negative effects. Typically, college students ignore the negative effects of consuming alcohol, in order to have a good time. College students are the point in their life where they are searching for new and exciting ways to fit in and have fun amongst peers. Alcohol consumption among college student is an important community and public health concern. Drinking appears to be a normal part of the college experience and is related with high-risk behavior, such as driving

Over the years many studies have been conducted to determine what creates stress and how college students can cope with stress. Stressors in a student’s life can be created through personal, educational and social experiences. A student faces many experiences while transitioning from high school, to college, and into adulthood. These experiences include: living arrangements, personal finances, important career decisions, experiences of failure, interpersonal relationships, and personal finances. These stressors involved with daily hassles can create an unhealthy high pressure environment which makes stress for college students inevitable. During one study, researchers found that physical activity throughout a student’s life can increase one’s stress tolerance and positively cope with stressors (Bland, Melton, Bigham, & Welle, 2012).