Students, Alcohol and Drugs Survey

The Students, Alcohol and Drugs survey is part of research completed as part of our Drug and Alcohol Impact programme. The annual survey is designed to identify students’ relationships with alcohol and drugs at institutions that take part in the programme and also UK students more widely. Additionally, it provides a means to understand changes in attitudes and behaviours towards alcohol and drugs.

The research covers the following issues:

• Patterns and practices of alcohol consumption/student drug use
• Perceptions of alcohol consumption/student drug use on campus
• Non-drinkers/drug users
• Impacts of alcohol consumption/drug use
• Reducing impact through responsible consumption/drug advice, support and university drug policy

Key findings from our 2025-26 report include:

• 20% of students agree taking drugs is part of university culture
• 19% currently use drugs (at any frequency), 71% of these use them for “recreation/fun”
• 77% think that their university should provide support to students who take drugs

You can read the full report here.