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Drug use information and support

Information about the University’s approach to drug use, and where to get support.

If you’re concerned about your or another student’s use of drugs or alcohol, support is available from your college welfare team, your GP, or the University’s Counselling Service.

A harm reduction approach

The University and its colleges prioritise the health, safety and wellbeing of our students and staff, and take a harm reduction approach to drug use. This means that, while the University and its colleges (referred to as the collegiate University) do not condone illegal drug use, and prohibit use and possession of illegal drugs on collegiate University premises, there is support available if you are concerned about your or another student’s use of drugs. Please also read your college’s guidance. Oxford’s focus is on minimising risks from drugs and alcohol by supporting you to make informed decisions about them. One way we do this is by providing evidence-based information about the effects of using drugs. This approach is in line with the UK Government’s National Drugs Strategy and Universities UK’s approach to Enabling student health and success.

You can speak to your college’s welfare team, your GP and the University's Counselling Service about drug and alcohol use that you think may be problematic (whether this be misuse of legal drugs or illegal drugs) to get support. At the end of this page, you will find an extensive list of local and national organisations who can also provide support. 

Support and fitness to study

If drug or alcohol use is impacting your ability to participate fully and effectively in your academic studies or university life, your college, department or faculty may consider a Support and Fitness to Study Procedure. Matters relating to possession of illegal drugs on collegiate University premises is a disciplinary matter that is separate from Fitness to Study arrangements and dealt with by the Proctors’ Office and/or college disciplinary Dean.  

The collegiate University aims to support students’ concerns about their drug or alcohol use and prioritises welfare. Seeking support does not necessarily mean that disciplinary action will be taken. However, there may be circumstances in which the University and/or your college needs to take action to protect you or others, comply with its legal obligations or address conduct under its procedures, for example if there is evidence of producing or supplying illegal drugs.

Supplying illegal drugs is a crime – this includes ‘social supply’, where drugs are shared amongst friends. If you are suspected of supplying drugs, a referral will be made to the police, and you may be subject to disciplinary proceedings.  

Possession of illegal substances is a criminal act and is forbidden on collegiate University premises under Statute XI of the University’s regulations.

In the UK, illegal drugs are classed as Class A, B and C - there are different penalties associated with different classes of drug. There are also penalties associated with supplying prescription-only drugs.  

Where to get support

University support

If you’re concerned about your drug use, you can speak to your college’s welfare team, your GP and/or the University's Counselling Service to get support.

The Counselling Service has also put together a list of online supportive resources about addiction and harmful behaviour.

Local organisations

National organisations

  • Cranstoun offers advice and support for anyone concerned about their drug or alcohol use.  
  • FRANK provides a 24/7 helpline you can call for information or advice about drug use.
  • Release provides legal support, representation and drugs advice to people with a history of drug use or who are impacted by drug laws.  

The impact of drug use

It is important to understand the risks and impacts of drug use and supply, so you can make informed decisions and help keep yourself and others safe if you encounter illegal drugs.

Information about the risks and effects of different drugs is available from FRANK, including up-to-date information about dangerous drug trends. They also have information about what to do in an emergency, and how to deal with peer pressure.

Drug use can have a serious effect on your mental health, and misuse of or dependency on drugs can affect your relationships, your studies, and career opportunities. If you’re concerned about your drug or alcohol use, getting support early can help you take control of the situation. 

As part of the collegiate University’s commitment to providing students with evidence-based information, we acknowledge that there can also be more wide-ranging impacts of drug use. For many people, the presence of drugs can be intimidating and alienating, and may create peer pressure. Illegal drug use supports an industry inextricably linked to environmental degradation, as well as violent crime, people trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable people.