Alcohol, narcotics, doping, tobacco and gambling

As a student, you may often find yourself in situations where alcohol is readily available. While drinking can lead to positive experiences, it's not always the case. Some students find it challenging to decline drinking because it's expected of them. Unfortunately, excessive or frequent alcohol consumption can negatively impact your studies and health, both in the short and long term.

If you are concerned about your alcohol consumption, we recommend that you get in touch with us. You can make an appointment with one of our occupational health nurses for a health and lifestyle consultation, or call us for a telephone consultation.

If you'd like to learn more about the effects of alcohol on your health and get a self-assessment of your drinking habits, please refer to the information below.

CDC

Have you had any encounters with drugs during your time as a student? Maybe you have found yourself in situations where drugs were present and felt curious to try them?

It is important to understand and be aware of the effects that various drugs can have on your brain, body, mood, and functioning. For instance, were you aware that cannabis significantly impairs our ability to learn?

If you would like more information or assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. For more information, please refer to the link below.

WHO

Do you chase the perfect body? Do you believe that using doping substances is a shortcut to enhance your strength and gain more muscle? The use of doping substances has expanded beyond the realm of elite sports and has become more prevalent in society as a whole. The most commonly used substance is anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS).

Misusing doping substances can result in long-term psychological and physical side effects. These side effects include increased anxiety, concerns, mood swings, and sleep problems, all of which can negatively impact your studies.

Smoking and using snuff have a calming and anxiety-relieving effect, which can provide a sense of relief during stressful and demanding times. However, it is widely recognized that tobacco consumption involves the intake of harmful substances that can adversely affect the body.

Nicotine, found in various forms of tobacco such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, brown snuff, white snuff, chewing tobacco, or so-called 'tobacco-free' products, is a neurotoxin that is highly addictive and can also increase the risk of other addictions. As a result, your physical fitness declines, and the likelihood of developing a wide range of diseases and experiencing negative health effects rises.

From the moment you quit using tobacco, the harmful effects begin to diminish. You will experience improved health, reduced stress, and enhanced fitness levels in a short span of time.

To learn more about how tobacco impacts your well-being and where you can find assistance to quit, please refer to the following resources:

CDC

WHO

Sluta-röka-linjen

Gambling addiction, also referred to as pathological gambling, is a disorder that can have significant ramifications for individuals and their loved ones. It is characterized by an enduring and repetitive pattern of gambling behavior that can result in financial difficulties, legal complications, and strained relationships. Individuals with a gambling addiction may also experience negative emotions such as guilt, anxiety, and depression.

If you or someone you know is grappling with gambling addiction, it is crucial to seek assistance promptly. If you require help or further information, please get in touch with us at Stockholm Student Health Services or utilize the provided link.

Mind