Abstract:
College time exposes many students to numerous possibilities and challenges where diverse environmental factors shape students’ behaviors concerning substance use and mental health. This study aims to identify the impacts of peer pressure, family influences, social patterns, and sexual orientation on the welfare of college students. Parental impact becomes the dominant aspect when it boils down to changes in college students’ perception and behavior toward drug use. Various research has established the fact that parental drug abuse is a crucial determinant of kids’ behaviors toward drug use. Moreover, the science of influencing a child toward drug problems is also affected by parental supervision and the type of parent-teen relationship. The parent-child interactions will prevent the teenager from quick reaction to substance abuse if they are based on encouraging talks and steadiness. The social behavior of college students is also one of the causes that influence their substance use patterns because of peer pressure and cultural standards. In their effort to get the social approval of their peers and fit in, students may resort to drug abuse. It, in turn, makes them more anxious and unhappy. Colleges should design meaningful academics, offer a supportive environment to defeat these forces and educate students on their healthy choices. LGBTQ+ persons commonly encounter mental health problems and alcohol/drug abuse because of the soft stress related to their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is all the more important for mental health services for LGBTQ+ students to be culturally competent to create an inclusive and supportive campus community.
Introduction:
College time exposes many students to numerous possibilities and challenges where diverse environmental factors shape students’ behaviors concerning substance use and mental health. Parental effects are most emphasized in the formation of attitudes and behaviors of college students regarding substance usage. Discussions should focus on environmental factors that cause college students’ substance usage and mental health issues and an effective intervention to improve results. This paper will delve into how parental influences, peer pressure, norms of society, and choice and preferences of sex affect substance use and mental health of college students.
Body
Parental Influences on Substance Use
Parental influence has influenced the development of college students’ mental and emotional attitudes toward substance use, which is also considerable. Ongoing research results show that parents’ behavior as a model is a prevailing factor in college students’ substance use patterns, particularly concerning the use of alcohol. Braitman et al. (2009) conducted a study aimed at college students and adult children of alcoholics ACOAs (adult children of alcoholics). This was when they discovered that those children tended to take alcohol and narcotics more than their mates whose parents did not have alcoholic parents. It means that college students may experience fluctuations in their substance use behavior that are associated with their parent’s substance use patterns.
Moreover, the influence of parental substance use on college students’ substance use also goes beyond the mere modeling effect. Parental behaviors can also impact the attitudes and beliefs of college students regarding substance use, specifically about alcohol and drug use. Thus, in the case where college students come from families where alcohol consumption is approved or even encouraged, they will form a more tolerant view of substance abuse and accordingly increase the likelihood that they will behave in the same way (Braitman et al., 2009). Also, the stress and emotional distress caused by family discord, instability, or dysfunction can worsen the situation and make substance abuse as a coping mechanism more likely. Nevertheless, there are family environments that are as nurturing and supportive as those that can help college students cope with peer pressure and make more healthy decisions about substance use.
The influence of parental factors on college students’ drug use is not confined to direct modeling and attitude formation only but also includes the mental health outcomes of the students. Research has been found to show a strong relationship between parents’ drug abuse and mental health problems, such as Depression, among college students. College students enrolled on campus have parents struggling with drug addiction are more susceptible to depressive disorders (Kristen Bowe, 2023). Parental views on substance usage, college student’s behavior, and mental health are intertwined with each other in a tangled way.
The quality of relationships between parents and their children not only prevents the consumption of substances at college but also means a decrease in their total amount. A favorable parent-child relationship will be nothing more than a channel for open communication, affection, and support, which causes college students to avoid drug addiction (Braitman et al., 2009). Interestingly, an unhealthy parent-child relationship may also contribute to a college student’s increased vulnerability to substance use. This is because college students may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with family or emotional struggles.
Furthermore, parental monitoring and supervision are highly effective in the reduction of college students’ substance abuse behaviors. Parents who set up clear rules and expectations about substance abuse and a constant presence in their children’s lives are more likely to persuade their children not to take part in any risky activity (Kristen Bowe, 2023). Permissive parenting styles or the lack of parental control are also among the factors stimulating the surge of experimentation with drugs among college students.
Moreover, parental substance use habits can be a source of examples for college students. Reports demonstrate that young people who have parents using drugs are more prone to become addicts themselves. Environmental factors, genetic factors, or a matter of both that are responsible for this may be. As a result, parents can shape their children’s thoughts well if they act as responsible and healthy drug use models (Braitman et al., 2009). Additionally, college students’ views and behavior are likely to be influenced by their parents’ communication style regarding substance use. College students who take part in frank debates on the adverse effects and repercussions of substance abuse can do so with informed decision-making and proper coping mechanisms.
Peer Pressure and Societal Norms
Peer pressure and cultural norms powerfully dictate college-age persons’ behaviors about substances and their mental health. College life is known for being one of the most influential millennial developments. External factors can significantly impact decisions, actions, and life’s welfare. Peer pressure is generally even more conspicuous among the majority of college students. It is the influence peers have on individuals to behave within specific parameters, e.g., using harmful substances (Newcomb & Earleywine, 1996). In contrast, social norms consist of the standard way of society and community values, beliefs, and conducts that are recognized and accepted. These legal norms go from one person to another, thus affecting the way the individuals think and act.
Newcomb and Earleywine (1996) showed that intrapersonal factors are one of the main contributors to drug use, thus drawing attention to the simultaneous action of internal and external factors like peer pressure and societal norms. These influences include personal factors such as personality and genetic predisposition, as well as external factors like peer pressure and norms of society. It is typical for college students, while they seek self-identification and a feeling of comradeship, to be sensitive to peer pressure, especially with frontrunners in substance abuse. The will of students to comply, be accepted, or look for ways to avoid social rejection may make them take a stand that is not in line with their personal goals or ideals.
The manifestation of obeying peer pressure and submission to societal norms in substance use can bring natural disorders, witnessed an increase in arrests for drug and alcohol infractions on college campuses (Nicklin, 1999). Substance abuse does not only cause physical health risks and mental health damage. However, it extends these problems to academic problems one encounters, such as Depression, anxiety, and struggle with classes. Beyond this, the popularity of substance use within some social circles could play a part in sustaining the sequence of drug addiction and require, thus making the mental health issues even worse.
Addressing the impact of environmental factors on college students’ substance abuse and mental health requires a multifaceted approach. It is imperative to implement educational programs that will help to inform people about the risks associated with drug addiction and to question the society where these behaviors are elevated (Newcomb & Earleywine, 1996). Moreover, it becomes necessary for universities to create a friendly environment where students can confidently make healthy decisions without fearing judgment or humiliation from their colleagues.
Counseling and mental health services should be accessible and stigma-free to help students cope with academic stressors, peer pressure, and mental health problems by providing needed guidance and assistance. Beyond that, building a welcoming and multicultural campus community can help combat the effects of narrow societal norms by promoting tolerance and embracing what is different (Nicklin, 1999). In the end, by recognizing the role of social standards and peer pressure on the substance abuse and mental health of college students, concerned parties can create situations that give precedence to students’ welfare and allow them to make decisions in line with their values as well as aspirations.
Mental Health and Sexual Preferences
Mental health and sexual preferences are two broadly connected human attributes that profoundly affect the quality of life and college experiences. It is simply impossible to exaggerate how much the environment influences these features. College campuses are environments where students face various pressures, including academic pressure, social expectations, and identity creation (Kristen, 2023). These campuses are little sub-societies on their own. It seems that these stressors can be more intense for people who are seeking answers about their gender identity or sexual orientation, which are accompanied by stigma, discrimination, and social support deficiency. These obstacles may be a part of the reason for the increased rate of mental health issues that usually affect college students, such as anxiety, Depression, and substance use disorder.
Kristen (2023) stresses the importance of seeing the interplay between mental health and sexual orientation in the university setting. LGBTQ+ students often report high rates of stress related to their gender identity or sexual orientation, which can further exacerbate their mental health problems. Psychological pain and feelings of isolation can develop owing to discrimination, rejection, and fear of disclosure. In addition, the situation is worsened because most college campuses lack inclusive policies and support services. Hence, educational institutions must emphasize LGBTQ+-affirming care and resources.
The impact of environmental factors on substance abuse among college students is also a significant factor. Individuals undergoing difficulties with their sexuality or mental health may utilize substance abuse as a kind of defense mechanism. Peer pressure and party culture pervasive on college campuses often normalize drug use as a way of dealing with stress and making friends (Kristen, 2023). Vulnerable groups like LGBTQ+ students may suffer specifically if this normalization happens. They use drugs to cope with internalized homophobia, transphobia, and stress associated with being a minority.
Establishing a communal setting where each student, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feels assured and included is an absolute key to ensuring the health and well-being of all campus students. This means having a multiprong mental health services approach that respects the LGBTQ+ experience and provides culturally competent services. In colleges, these efforts should include lobbying to eradicate discrimination and stigma through education and policy (Kristen, 2023). Safer spaces, ally asset education, and LGBTQ+-specific services could help kids feel attached and provide the home that they need, at the same time reducing the risk factors for substance abuse and mental health inequalities.
Collaboration between campus health services, counseling centers, LGBTQ+ organizations, and student-led programs is needed to handle both complex mental health and sexual preferences problems together on college campuses. Instructional settings can develop an environment of tolerance and support, thereby nudging the students towards holistic well-being approaches and helping them overcome various challenges (Jansen et al., 1996). Additionally, it is equally important for us to collect data and conduct research to come up with evidence-based programs and policies that can address gender disparity in mental health among students across the spectrum of sexual orientation.
Conclusion
Ultimately, this essay emphasizes the considerable influence of environmental factors on college students’ conduct, especially drug use and mental health problems. Sexual preferences, parental influences, peer pressure, and social norms build up into the college student’s experiences and well-being. College students’ attitudes and behaviors towards substance use are primarily affected by parental influences such as modeling, effective communication, and proper supervision. Transparent communication and dealing with family relationships are very effective in the reduction of substance abuse among college students. Besides peer pressure and community norms, a student behaves in a way that leads to substance use through a desire for social acceptance. To counteract the environmental impact on college students’ substance use and mental health through cooperative efforts of policymakers, campuses, and communities is necessary. Stakeholders can create college environments that perceive wellness as the foundation of learning and enable students to make healthy decisions throughout their college life by emphasizing prevention, intervention, and support services.
References
Braitman, A. L., Kelley, M. L., Ladage, J., Schroeder, V., Gumienny, L. A., Morrow, J. A., & Klostermann, K. (2009). Alcohol and drug use among college student adult children of alcoholics. Journal of Alcohol & Drug Education, 53(1), 69+.
Jansen, M. A., Glynn, T., & Howard, J. (1996). Prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse. American Behavioral Scientist, 39(7), 790+.
Kristen Bowe, A. (2023, August 22). College students and Depression. Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/college-students-and-depression
Newcomb, M., & Earleywine, M. (1996). Intrapersonal contributors to drug use. American Behavioral Scientist, 39(7), 823+.
Nicklin, J. L. (1999). Colleges report increases in arrests for drug and alcohol violations. The Chronicle of Higher Education, 45(38), A39+.
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