College is often portrayed in popular media as a party atmosphere filled with large amounts of alcohol consumption. However, alcoholism is often highly detrimental to your college career and can prevent you from succeeding. Alcohol abuse in college is also often associated with mental disorders that can be exacerbated as a result of the amount of stress that occurs during college. Rather than trying to cope with the stress you face through alcohol consumption, it's a better idea to consult with college mental health resources. 

The Effects of Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol consumption can lead to poor performance in school. You may struggle to keep up with your studies and you might also find it more difficult to attend classes if you are often hungover. You might also find it difficult to perform well on exams. 

College Life and Alcoholism

If your alcohol consumption develops into alcoholism, this can have a devastating impact on your life. Therefore, if you begin to see warning signs of alcoholism, you will want to consult with college mental health services as soon as you can.

You might find that you are often blackout drunk and have gaps in your memory. You might find yourself making excuses to drink alcohol such as if you are trying to "feel normal." If you find yourself drinking almost every day to the point of being wasted, it's a great idea to find out if your school offers mental health services.

College Mental Health Services

The good news is that many colleges provide mental health services for students. Students who struggle with mental health services often struggle to finish school and also tend to have a lower GPA. Being able to finish college and enter the workforce, on the other hand, can have a strong impact on a student's self-esteem and mental health. Therefore, many schools prioritize mental health services.

Counselors and Academic Advisors

Many colleges have counselors in every academic department who work closely with academic advisors. An academic advisor may refer you to a counselor if they believe that you would benefit from mental health services. 

Make Sure to Speak Up

Your university might also take an active role in consulting with you about your mental health needs. Make sure to speak up about the struggles you face and be honest. When you are speaking with a counselor, everything you say will be confidential and your counselor is only there to help.

If you would benefit from college mental health resources, contact a counseling center near you.