Over 40,000 randomly selected higher education students will receive a Drug Use in Higher Education in Ireland (DUHEI) Survey in their student email. The survey results will gather information on the drug use trends and behaviours amongst higher education students in Ireland. This information will provide important national baseline information on the landscape of drug use among students and will contribute to the development of harm-reduction interventions and policies. 

The research team are keen to hear from students who have never used drugs, who may have used drugs in the past, and who are current or recent drug users as to gather a complete picture of trends and attitudes within higher education across the board. All information given in this survey will be completely anonymous. 

“A nationwide sectoral action plan is in the works to tackle the harm caused by drug use among the higher education population and the survey will inform this work” stated Dr Byrne, Lead Researcher on the study.

Randomly selected students will have started receiving the survey from the 18th to the 31st January. “Student participation will be of great help for developing strategies and policies to keep students safe in the future” commented Dr Byrne. 

A report of findings will be presented to the Department of Education and Skills, Rapid Response Group, and all participating institutions in June 2021.