Stress and Substance Addiction Among College Students: Understanding the Psychological Triggers

Substance addiction among college students has emerged as a major public health concern, closely associated with rising academic pressure, anxiety, and stress. The transitional phase of college life exposes students to numerous psychological and social challenges, which often drive them toward addictive substances as coping mechanisms. This paper aims to understand the psychological triggers linking stress to substance addiction among college students. Using secondary data from research articles, WHO and CDC reports, and mental health studies, this review highlights that emotional instability, peer pressure, poor coping skills, and performance anxiety are key contributors to addiction vulnerability. Findings suggest that stress-induced addiction not only impairs academic performance but also leads to mental health complications such as depression and social withdrawal. The paper concludes that early mental health interventions, stress management programs, and awareness initiatives within college campuses can significantly reduce addiction tendencies among youth.