College students rarely seek help despite serious substance use problems

There is an opportunity for substance use disorder (SUD) prevention efforts among college students, with less than 9 percent of college students seeking help for issues involving alcohol and marijuana. Social pressure, whether formal or informal, was shown to be a key factor in individuals taking the step to ask for help. SUD severity did not play a critical role, nor did a self-perceived need for aid. Study results highlight a need for more and better information about ways to encourage early intervention and identification of SUD among this population.