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SOCIAL SCIENCE LENS

ISSN Online: 3028-1997 | Print: 3028-1962

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Abstract
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Copyright
Author contributions
Funding
Conflict of interest
Institutional ethics review statement
Data availability statement
Declaration of generative AI use/assistance
Acknowledgement
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Original Research

Campus Confessions: A Descriptive Study on the Prevalence of Substance and Behavioral Addiction Risk Among University Students in Metro Manila

https://doi.org/10.62718/vmca.ssl-wjhdsr.8.1.SC-0126-018

Social Science Lens

ISSN Online: 3028-1997 | Print: 3028-1962

Volume 8 | Issue 1 | 2026 | 119 – 131

Louise Marie C. Derecho 1, ORCID No. 0009 - 0001 - 0385 - 9502
Gian Derick Sevilla 1, MA, RPm, RPsy, ORCID No. 0009 - 0001 - 0589 - 271X

Psychologist, Counseling and Psychological Services, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila, Philippines

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Article History:

Initial submission: 23 January 2026
First decision: 06 February 2026
Revision received: 24 June 2026
Accepted for publication: 15 July 2026
Online release: 29 July 2026

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Abstract

Amid rising concerns regarding student mental health in higher education, understanding the specific landscape of addictive behaviors is essential for informing effective campus support systems. This study determined the prevalence and risk level of substance and behavioral addiction among university students enrolled in higher education institutions (HEIs) within Metro Manila. Utilizing a quantitative descriptive design, data were gathered from a selected sample of 117 eligible participants aged 18 and above. Substance and behavioral risks were evaluated using the Screener for Substance and Behavioral Addictions Generalized (SSBA – G). Descriptive data revealed a stark contrast in addiction risk profiles where a majority of participants exhibited low risk for substance addiction (68.38%), but a majority profile also indicates a high risk for behavioral addictions (67.52%). These findings provide crucial baseline data to outline shifting student vulnerabilities, highlighting areas where preliminary resource allocation may be beneficial and establishing a foundation for future research to determine definitive institutional thresholds.

Keywords: prevalence, substance addiction, behavioral addiction, SSBA – G (Screener for Substance and Behavioral Addictions Generalized), Metro Manila, university students

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APA (7th edition)

Derecho, L. M. C. (2026). Campus confessions: A descriptive study on the prevalence of substance and behavioral addiction risk among university students in Metro Manila. Social Science Lens, 8(1), 119–131. https://doi.org/10.62718/vmca.ssl-wjhdsr.8.1.SC-0126-018.

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Copyright @ 2026. The Author/s. Published by VMC Analytiks Multidisciplinary Journal News Publishing Services. Campus Confessions: A Descriptive Study on the Prevalence of Substance and Behavioral Addiction Risk Among University Students in Metro Manila © 2026 by Louise Marie C. Derecho is an open access article licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0). This permits the copying, redistribution, remixing, transforming, and building upon the material in any medium or format for any purpose, even commercially, provided that appropriate credit is given to the copyright owner/s through proper acknowledgement and standard citation.

Author contributions

– (Not applicable).

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Institutional ethics review statement

This study involved human respondents; however, formal ethical approval was not sought from the authors’ institution. The authors affirm that participation was voluntary, informed consent was obtained, and confidentiality of responses was strictly maintained. No procedures were undertaken that posed risk or harm to the participants.

Data availability statement

All data supporting the findings of this study are included within the manuscript and its supplementary materials.

Declaration of generative AI use/assistance

AI- assisted language editing was performed; authors reviewed and approved all content.

Acknowledgement

The researcher would like to express its sincere gratitude to all the university students who voluntarily participated in this study and generously shared their time and responses. Their willingness to engage in this research made this study possible.

The researchers also extend their appreciation to the developers of the Screener for Substance and Behavioral Addictions – Generalized (SSBA – G) for granting permission to use the instrument and for providing a validated tool essential to the conduct of this research.

Special thanks are given to the Counseling and Psychological Services office and affiliated university units for their support in the distribution of the survey and in facilitating participant recruitment.

Finally, the author extends her heartfelt gratitude to Gian for his patience, unwavering support, and tremendous effort throughout the review process. His dedication to refining the manuscript, thoughtful feedback, and careful attention to detail were invaluable to this study. At times, it felt as though he carried more of the burden of the review process than she did, and for that, she is especially grateful. This work would not have been the same without his commitment and partnership.

 
 

Publisher’s disclaimer

The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. The publisher disclaims any responsibility for errors or omissions.

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