Alcohol, other drugs and gambling
Dangerous consumption of alcohol or other drugs can quickly lead to major problems mentally, physically and socially. At the Student Health Centre, our main priority is to work to promote students’ health. Therefore, we think that it is especially important to be able to pick up on dangerous drinking, drug use, gaming and gambling problems at an early stage.
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Alcohol and drinking habits
Many contexts in student life are closely connected to alcohol. Students may therefore be particularly vulnerable to developing alcohol-related problems. Various studies show that it is between the ages of 18 and 25 that many people drink the most; this is also the age when most people lay the foundation for alcohol habits of adulthood. It is not unusual for students to have the idea that all students drink a lot of alcohol and thus to feel increased pressure to drink themselves.
Incidents of excessive alcohol consumption can have negative consequences, such as blackouts, accidents, fights or unwanted sex. Having control over your drinking means that it is you who determines how your night out will be, not the alcohol. That is why it is important to keep track of your alcohol consumption.
Test your drinking or tobacco habits
If you want to gain a better understanding of your alcohol or tobacco habits, you can take an anonymous test. After completing the test, you will receive feedback on your habits and what you can do about them. You can easily download and save the feedback you receive.
During your studies, you have much to gain from keeping your alcohol consumption within a reasonable level. Here are a few good reasons:
- better sleep and reduction in general tiredness
- increased concentration and better study results
- better control over your life
- better physical fitness
- better performance
- reduced risk of arguments and conflicts with friends and partners
- better finances
- reduced risk of developing future addictions.
If you want to be able to drink alcohol without suffering negative consequences, the following tips can come in useful:
- Plan your party evening in advance: how much you will drink and over what period of time. It is advisable to set a time for your last glass of alcohol.
- Make sure you only have enough money available in your bank account to cover the cost of the amount of alcohol that you plan to consume.
- Stop and check how you feel after a drink rather than immediately getting another one.
- Decide to alternate your alcoholic drinks with soft drinks or water.
- Do not party on an empty stomach. Eat something before drinking alcohol and preferably also while drinking.
- Agree with your friends not to incite each other to drink alcohol and do not participate in drinking games, for example.
- Choose drinks with a lower alcohol content.
Other drugs and drug use
It is not unusual for students to come into contact with different types of drugs. However, drug use is associated with many drawbacks and has a negative impact on studies and health. You can contact the Student Health Centre for advice and support.
Gambling
Gambling problems are becoming increasingly common in society, even among students. Gambling can take many different forms, such as in online casinos, while at the same time, quick loans are being offered by various providers. There is a risk that you could experience major financial and social problems within a very short space of time. You can contact the Student Health Centre for advice and support.
Computer games
Computer games are something many people enjoy, finding them both entertaining and relaxing. But as games have become more sophisticated and accessible, gaming has also become problematic for a growing number of people. It could go so far that you develop a gaming addiction. This is also known as a gaming disorder.
Some common signs that your gaming has gone too far:
- You start to lose control of your gaming
- Gaming starts to affect other areas of your life
- You continue gaming despite negative consequences
- You are frequently absent from teaching sessions
- Problems with sleep deprivation and disrupted circadian rhythm
- Feeling down and anxious
- Isolation from social life
The vast majority who have come to the realisation that gaming is causing problems can change their habits for the better. If, however, you have repeatedly tried to do this and feel unsure that you will manage it by yourself, you are welcome to turn to us at the Student Health Centre. You can book an information appointment below.
To get help with gaming dependency, you can also contact the Gaming project at the Maria Clinic in Malmö. They offer advice, assessment interviews, and, where necessary, individual treatment. You can read more about the project, and how to register, on their website.
The Gaming project at Maria Clinic in Malmö, on Region Skåne’s website (in Swedish)
Make an appointment
If you are concerned about your drinking habits or your drug use, you should contact 1177 (call +46 771 1177 00 if you're using a foreign phone number), your health centre or us at the Student Health Centre.
If you have gambling or gaming problems and need help to find the right support, you can also contact the Student Health Centre.
Contact information
Telephone and appointment booking
+46 (0)46-222 43 77
Monday–Wednesday, 08:30–09:30
Thursday, 08:15–08:45
Friday, 08:30–09:30
Subject to temporary changes.
Make an appointment at the Student Health Centre
Visiting address:
Sandgatan 3
Lund
For student unions and other organisations
Contact form for student unions and other organisations
Other healthcare providers
Other healthcare providers are referred to our telephone hours above. Please note that the Student Health Centre does not accept referrals from other healthcare providers.
Suggested reading
- Alcohol, narcotics, doping, tobacco and nicotine products, gaming and gambling – studenthalsa.se/en
- Student and party culture – studenthalsa.se/en
- Harmful use and addiction to alcohol and drugs – lund.se
- About alcohol misuse on the NHS website
- About cannabis on the NHS website
- About drug use and addiction on the NIDA website
Alcohol and other drugs – guidelines and support
Information about Swedish laws and culture around alcohol and drugs, and Lund University's guidelines and routines for alcohol and drugs.