Mental health, substance use, and stigmatization: A comparison of Canadian university students who abstain from or consume alcohol

Purpose

While alcohol consumption among young adults in Canadian post-secondary settings has been widely studied, the experiences of students who abstain from alcohol remain significantly overlooked. This study addresses this critical gap by examining how alcohol abstinence relates to mental health symptoms, substance use patterns, and loneliness among Canadian undergraduates. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of stigma dynamics on university campuses and inform strategies to foster more inclusive, supportive environments for students who do not drink alcohol.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Canadian undergraduate students between November 2020 and May 2021. Demographic, mental health, and substance use differences between students who were alcohol-abstinent and non-abstinent were analyzed with chi-squared and t-tests. Pearson correlations examined the links between motivations for abstaining and self-stigma and between alcohol use and attitudes toward those who abstain. Additional t-tests assessed gender differences in motivations for abstinence, self-stigma, and attitudes toward those who are alcohol abstinent.

Results

Of the 180 participants, 48.9% were alcohol abstinent. Indifference was the primary motive for abstinence (M = 2.7, SD = 1.2). Students who were alcohol abstinent reported significantly lower cannabis use (p < 0.001) but higher levels of loneliness (p = .02) compared to those who were not abstinent. Fear of negative consequences and dispositional risk were significantly associated with higher levels of self-stigma (p's < 0.05). Men demonstrated significantly higher levels of awareness and self-application of negative stereotypes related to alcohol use compared to women (p’s < 0.05), reflecting a greater internalization of public stigma. Additionally, alcohol use was positively correlated with negative attitudes toward those who are alcohol abstinent (p < .005).

Discussion

This study reveals the social and psychological challenges faced by students who abstain from alcohol, particularly the heightened levels of loneliness compared to their peers who drink. By identifying the factors contributing to self-stigmatization and social exclusion, our research fills a critical gap in understanding how abstinence is perceived in environments where alcohol consumption is the norm, such as university campuses. These findings are essential for informing targeted destigmatization efforts and shaping public health campaigns that challenge negative stereotypes.