Millions of students across the country have recently returned to schools and college campuses in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. There’s currently a whole host of concerns about the risks involved in schooling during a pandemic. One specific area of concern is the relationship between the stress of the pandemic and how it affects rates of substance abuse among students.

In this episode of Close to Home, Jacob shares his experience so far as a first-year college student during the COVID-19 pandemic. He details his expectations for school versus what the experience has been so far, letting us know what he prefers when it comes to virtual vs. physical classes. He lets us know how he’s felt while following the strict health and safety protocols around campus, and how these protocols have affected students’ ability to make friends and other connections on campus. Jacob also shares how his friends have been coping with this stressful time, before giving advice to any student that may be struggling to navigate through this “new normal” without turning to harmful substances.

Following Jacob’s interview we speak with Laura Simpson, an adolescent counselor at Keystone Substance Abuse Services in Rock Hill. Laura gives us insight into what substance abuse can mean for different people, explaining that for a lot of students, concern from friends and family or choosing substances over daily activities usually indicates a problem. Start Your Recovery has more information on the signs of substance abuse.

Laura also weighs in on how the pandemic can enhance triggers for substance abuse, explaining that the exponential increase in downtime for everyone can increase the desire to turn to alcohol or drugs. She suggests finding new hobbies, trying things that you normally wouldn’t, and having a set schedule every day can do a lot to help prevent falling into unhealthy behaviors.

Laura also provides resources for people that are seeking help about substance abuse. She shares the National Helpline for Substance Abuse and Mental Health number, 800-662-4357. She explains that in Rock Hill, Keystone is a great resource to take advantage of as well as Winthrop University’s Community Counseling Clinic.