When vocation meets the glass: The alcohol dilemma between the art of creating and the duty to heal

Abstract

Introduction: Alcohol consumption is common in university life, yet its motives differ across academic fields. Objective: To analyze and compare the reasons and contexts for alcohol use among health and arts students. Methodology: An academic reflection was developed based on the direct experience of nursing students and supplemented by a review of national and international studies, including reports from the National Service for the Prevention and Rehabilitation of Drug and Alcohol Use, and scientific literature on university culture and consumption habits. Result: Both groups report frequent consumption; however, in health sciences it is mainly related to academic stress, while in arts it is influenced by cultural and creative identity factors. Conclusion: Understanding these distinctions may guide the development of preventive strategies tailored to the characteristics of each educational context.