Death Made Me Do It

Student Scholar: Darielle Brooks, Department of Social Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Willie J. Thompson
1530 Harden Street Columbia SC, 29204

Abstract
Since the Covid-19 outbreak, more than five million people have died, comprising immediate family members, including fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, and grandparents. As a result of these deaths, HBCU students on campus experienced significant psychological concerns such as anxiety, stress, post-traumatic disorder, depression, and sadness, leading to increased alcohol and other substance use, abuse, and addiction. The primary purpose of this survey was to establish the relationship between Covid-19 deaths and the rise in alcohol and other substance use, abuse, and addiction among HBCU students. The study hypothesized that Covid-19 deaths increase the use of alcohol and other substance use, abuse, and addiction among HBCU students. It utilized the self-medication theory to confirm the hypothesis. Besides, the study used a simple and descriptive research design and collected data through questionnaires and interviews. A random sampling method was used and involved a sample size of 120 participants. The data was analyzed quantitatively using SPSS. The findings showed a strong relationship between Covid-19 deaths and increased alcohol and substance use, abuse, and addiction among HBCU students. The deaths led to psychological distress such as anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression among HBCU students, influencing them to take alcohol and abuse drugs. They resorted to this decision to try to cope with the negative emotions. In conclusion, Covid-19 deaths caused emotional problems, which increased alcohol and other substance use, abuse, and addiction among HBCU students. Continued communication and support can help address the issue.
Key Words: Covid-19 deaths, psychological distress, coping strategy, substance use, addiction.

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It was forced upon me by death.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Willie J. Thompson 1530 Harden Street Columbia SC 29204 Student Scholar: Darielle Brooks, Department of Social Sciences

Abstract
More than five million people have died as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, including immediate family members such as fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, and grandparents. As a result of these deaths, HBCU students on campus experienced significant psychological concerns such as anxiety, stress, post-traumatic disorder, depression, and sadness, leading to increased alcohol and other substance use, abuse, and addiction. The primary purpose of this survey was to establish the relationship between Covid-19 deaths and the rise in alcohol and other substance use, abuse, and addiction among HBCU students. The study hypothesized that Covid-19 deaths increase the use of alcohol and other substance