Substance use is prevalent among college students, with rates of use on college campuses reported to be higher than those observed in the general young adult population in the United States. However, due to the perception that substance use is a routine part of college life, the stigma surrounding Substance Use Disorder (SUD), and limited access to counseling services, many students struggling with substance use-related issues do not receive the help they need. Previous research indicates that perceptions of social support and access to campus counseling are vital factors in help-seeking behavior. Therefore, this study aims to examine how demographic factors, substance use history, and mental well-being influence college students’ awareness of and help-seeking behavior toward campus counseling services to improve access and awareness to ensure students receive the support they need.
The study was conducted using a web-based survey targeting college students aged 18 to 25 in Michigan (n=995). The survey collected information on participants’ demographics, substance use history, mental well-being, and awareness of campus counseling services. Mental well-being was assessed using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), and awareness of campus counseling services was evaluated using modified items from the Core Alcohol and Drug Survey. The data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression to examine the relationship between the factors and awareness of campus counseling services.
The study found that full-time students and those with higher mental well-being were more likely to be aware of campus counseling services. Specifically, full-time students had a 1.63 times higher likelihood of awareness compared to part-time students, and the likelihood increased by 2% with each improvement in mental well-being. In contrast, students who began using substances early or engaged in high-intensity drinking were less likely to be aware of these services, with early substance users being 0.55 times less likely and recent high-intensity drinkers being 0.50 times less likely. These findings highlight that students most at risk for substance-related issues are often the least aware of the support services available to them.
Takeaway: At-risk students are often the least informed about campus counseling services, underscoring the importance of targeted outreach and improved access to support.