Clean-living UK university students reject drugs

UK students are using drugs at a far lower rate than previously
thought – and the majority want universities to take a tougher
stance on drug use.

A survey of 1,000 undergraduates carried out by
the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) and the University of
Buckingham found that only 29% said they had used illegal drugs
during their time at university.

In fact, 62% backed universities taking a “stronger
line” on drug dealers “and the same proportion would like there to
be a tougher stance on students who repeatedly use drugs”, The Daily Telegraph reports.

Mental health appears to be a major motivation
for avoiding illicit substances, with 88% of respondents saying
that drug use can cause mental problems.

In addition, 44% said they believed
binge-drinking was a “very serious” problem on UK
campuses.

The results indicate that, contrary to the
stereotype of booze and drug-fuelled nights out, students on UK
campuses are more sober and clean-living than previously
thought.

A larger study released in April by the National Union
of Students and charity Release “painted a somewhat different
picture of student drug use”, says The Guardian, finding that 56% of
undergraduates had taken illegal drugs.

However, respondents were asked about drug use
throughout their lifetimes, whereas the Hepi study only looks at
drug use at universities.

Hepi director Nick Hillman said their new study
“provides an important corrective to some of the wilder ideas about
today’s students”.

“They are more hard working and less hedonistic
than is often supposed,” he said. “A majority clearly recognise the
dangers of taking illegal substances.”