Under the Influence – How Hazing Drives Substance Use Among Students

Chase Roberts is a former student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. After enduring severe hazing as a pledge in a fraternity, Roberts began using drugs as a coping mechanism. He described how the trauma from the hazing rituals led him to seek solace in substances like marijuana and prescription medications. Eric Plunkett experienced bullying and hazing while a member of a fraternity. Following his traumatic experiences, he struggled with abuse of alcohol and drugs to cope with the psychological distress.

Two high school teens drinking and smoking marijuana in a park

Hazing and substance abuse are closely linked, particularly in college settings. Approximately 71% of students who witness hazing report that alcohol is involved in some way. Moreover, 47% of student-athletes admit to participating in drinking games or other alcohol-related hazing rituals. Greek life has seen concerns, with 29% of Greek leaders expressing worries about excessive alcohol use during initiations.

This is especially concerning in the United States, where the legal drinking age is 21, yet many hazing incidents involve students between the ages of 18 and 21—who are not legally allowed to consume alcohol. Despite this, underage drinking remains prevalent on college campuses, particularly within fraternities, sororities, and sports teams. Hazing often pressures underage students to participate in excessive alcohol consumption, not only violating the law but also endangering their health. Studies show that over 50% of hazing incidents involve alcohol consumption, frequently leading to binge drinking and increased risks of alcohol poisoning, injuries, and even fatalities.

To counter this, many universities have implemented alcohol bans or strict regulations on alcohol consumption, particularly in-residence halls and during Greek life events. These measures are meant to curb underage drinking and promote a safer campus environment. Despite these efforts, however, alcohol-related hazing persists, often in off-campus locations or within private parties where enforcement is minimal.

These statistics show how substance use is frequently embedded in hazing practices, making them not only emotionally and physically harmful but also life-threatening.

Hazing and Substance Abuse: Key Risks and Impacts

  • Substance Use in Hazing Rituals: Alcohol and drugs are integral to many hazing rituals, often forcing participants to engage in excessive consumption.
  • Alcohol Poisoning Risk: Frequent binge drinking in hazing greatly increases the risk of alcohol poisoning, injuries, and fatalities.
  • Peer Pressure and Addiction: Hazing environments foster intense peer pressure, leading some participants to develop substance use disorders.
  • Normalization of Dangerous Behaviors: Drugs and alcohol are used as a way to demonstrate loyalty, contributing to a culture of risky, normalized substance abuse.
  • Impairment of Judgment: Substance use impairs participants’ judgment, escalating the chances of injuries, sexual assault, and even death.
  • Long-Term Consequences: Hazing victims are at greater risk of developing substance abuse problems, often leading to chronic health issues like liver disease or mental health disorders.

Key Findings on Hazing and Substance Abuse

  • One in Four Students: A national study found that nearly one in four students who are hazed are forced to binge drink or use substances.
  • Post-Graduation Substance Abuse: Research by Hoover and Pollard indicates that individuals hazed with alcohol or drugs during college are more likely to struggle with substance abuse problems later in life.
  • Fraternities & Sororities: Members of fraternities and sororities are particularly vulnerable to substance abuse after experiencing hazing, often at significantly higher rates than non-members.

Substance Use Disorders Following Hazing

Studies show that hazing not only affects individuals during their college years but also contributes to long-term substance use disorders (SUDs). The combination of peer pressure and the normalization of substance misuse creates habits that can persist well into adulthood.

Commonly Abused Substances in Hazing:

  • Alcohol: The most abused substance during hazing, binge drinking rituals significantly raise the risk of alcohol dependence post-college.
  • Marijuana: Common in hazing, marijuana use can escalate to habitual use, with some individuals progressing to more dangerous substances.
  • Prescription Drugs (Opioids, Stimulants): Hazing rituals sometimes involve opioid painkillers or stimulants like Adderall, increasing the risk of addiction.
  • Benzodiazepines: These sedatives are used in hazing for their calming effects but can lead to long-term dependency.
  • Illicit Drugs: While less common, hazing may involve substances like ecstasy or hallucinogens, which can increase the risk of chronic drug use.

Hazing Trauma and Self-Medication

Victims of hazing often turn to self-medication to cope with the psychological toll. Studies indicate that 20-30% of individuals who experience hazing-related trauma develop substance use disorders, using substances like alcohol or drugs to alleviate anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms.

Commonly Self-Medicated Substances:

  • Alcohol: Often used to manage anxiety, insomnia, or intrusive memories.
  • Benzodiazepines: Medications like Xanax or Valium are commonly abused to manage panic attacks or stress from hazing trauma.
  • Opioids: Initially prescribed for physical injuries from hazing, opioids may be abused for emotional numbing.
  • Marijuana: Frequently used to dissociate from psychological distress.
  • Stimulants: Drugs like Adderall may be misused to combat stress or exhaustion from trauma.

Risk Factors for Substance Abuse After Hazing

  • Pre-existing Mental Health Issues: Individuals with conditions like anxiety or depression are more prone to self-medication post-hazing.
  • Normalizing Environments: Fraternities, sororities, and sports teams often foster substance use, increasing the likelihood of post-hazing addiction.
  • Lack of Support: Without proper mental health care or emotional support, hazing victims may turn to drugs or alcohol for relief.

Hazing not only causes immediate physical and emotional harm but also sets the stage for long-term substance abuse issues. The normalization of alcohol and drug use in hazing rituals, combined with the psychological trauma experienced, drives many individuals to develop lifelong struggles with addiction and mental health disorders

Vishwani Sahai-Siddiqui, MDVishwani Sahai-Siddiqui, MD

Vishwani’s opinions are her own and are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to diagnose, treat or provide medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical care.

Vishwani Sahai-Siddiqui is a residency- and fellowship-trained psychiatrist, now a medical writer and editor, and the owner of The Cognitive Quill. For more information, please visit cognitivequill.com or email vishwanipsychmd@gmail.com.

Articles in This Series

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