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Mental health disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, but the link between substance abuse and mental health is well-established. In fact, substance abuse can have profound effects on mental health and vice versa.
A survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in 2025 showed that:
- 23.4% of adults (61 million) had Any Mental Illness (AMI), and 5.6% (14.6 million) had a Serious Mental Illness (SMI)
- 33.0% of adults aged 18 or older (86 million) experienced either AMI or a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in the past year
- 52.1% of those with AMI (32 million) and 70.8% of those with SMI (10.3 million) received mental health treatment in the past year
We believe college students are at an increased risk for mental health disorders. For these reasons and many more, it’s important to raise awareness about the strong connection between substance use and mental health, the challenges college students may face as a result, and the support systems that can help them overcome these struggles.
The mission of Detoxrehabs.net is to break down the barriers and stigmas that surround substance abuse with free and valuable information. They are excited to be offering a $3,500 scholarship through an essay contest, highlighting a subject that is common among students – substance abuse on college campuses. The scholarship is for full-time students pursuing an Associate’s, Bachelor, Master, or Doctorate degree.
Scholarship Page
https://www.detoxrehabs.net/annual-scholarship
Essay Topic
The Link Between Mental Health and Substance Use in College Students
Instructions
- Research mental health facts and substance use rates in college students.
- Calling on your own personal experience as well as research, discuss:
- the link between mental health and substance abuse in college students.
- what we can do to help college students manage stress levels, mental health, and substance use both at home and on campus.
- Suggest actual ways to implement help and resources for college students to aid them in managing both mental health and substance abuse.
- Be as specific as possible with your ideas for change. Ensure you are both creative and detail-oriented.
- When submitting your essay, please adhere to the following guidelines:
- Essay is your own original work.
- Essay is no longer than 1,200 words.
Scholarship Details
- Essay submission deadline: June 1, 2026
- Scholarship award announcement: June 16, 2026
- Scholarship will be awarded for the Fall 2026 semester
- Scholarship will be awarded directly to the university through the financial aid department (or however the university chooses) to be distributed to the winning student.
This is an ongoing scholarship opportunity. Our next scholarship essay contest will start in Fall 2026 to be awarded for the Fall 2027 semester.
All the best,
Katherine Clarke
Community Outreach Specialist
Detoxrehabs.net
