Abstract
This research explores the neurological basis of addiction as a disease and how the exacerbation of external factors has contributed to negative perceptions of addiction. Specifically, it examines the COVID-19 pandemic and contemporary college student experiences as contextual factors influencing attitudes toward substance use disorders. Negative perceptions contribute to stigma, reduce help-seeking behavior, and influence policy responses, hindering effective support and recovery for individuals with substance use disorders. By examining these perceptions, this study contributes to understanding how addiction is conceptualized and potentially addressed in public health and policy contexts. Surveys and semi-structured interviews were conducted with college students to capture firsthand perspectives on addiction and related experiences. Findings suggest that pandemic-related stressors and personal experiences influence how addiction is understood, particularly among individuals without prior exposure to substance use disorders. These results highlight the importance of stigma-informed education and policy approaches to improve treatment engagement and public health responses.
Recommended Citation
Rudrashetty, Aditi
(2026)
"Understanding Addiction as a Disease: College Students’ Perspectives on Substance Use in the COVID-19 Era,"
Athena: Undergraduate Research and Literary Journal: Vol. 4, Article 3.
DOI: 10.51221/sc.ath.2026.4.1.3
Available at:
https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/athena/vol4/iss1/3