Support Networks Could Enhance Help-Seeking for College Students with Alcohol Problems

Recent research highlights the importance of social support structures in encouraging college students to seek help for excessive alcohol consumption. High-risk drinking, defined as consuming alcohol with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher, remains prevalent among college populations, with over 30% to 40% engaging in this behavior for decades. Despite the availability of mental health and substance use resources on campuses, less than 10% of students actively seek help, even when aware of their issues.

A new study from Texas A&M University’s School of Public Health examined how psychological factors and social networks influence students' intentions to seek assistance. The research combined the Reasoned Action Approach—which considers students' beliefs about drinking and help-seeking—and social network analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding.

The researchers analyzed survey data from 1,447 full-time college students aged 18 to 24, assessing their alcohol use, attitudes toward seeking help, and perceptions of alcohol use stigma. Participants also identified their closest social connections, which helped illustrate how peer support might impact help-seeking behavior.

Findings revealed that students’ intentions to seek help are significantly shaped by their beliefs, perceived social expectations, and perceived control, accounting for nearly 40% of the variation. When social network factors were included, the explanatory power increased by 2.8%, suggesting that close peer influence plays a crucial role.

Specifically, students who believed their friends and family supported them in seeking assistance showed a higher likelihood of intention to do so. Based on these insights, campus health programs are encouraged to address students’ perceptions of help-seeking and actively involve supportive peers and family members to foster a more supportive environment.

While the study did not test specific interventions, its findings lay the groundwork for developing strategies that could bridge the gap between recognizing the need for help and actively seeking it. Recognizing the influence of social networks alongside individual beliefs may prove vital in designing effective programs to combat alcohol abuse among college students.

For more information, see the full study: Understanding College Students' Help-Seeking Intentions for Alcohol Use: A Theoretical and Network-Based Approach.