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Alcohol & Drugs

Consuming alcohol or drugs might seem like an acceptable way to relax or cope, but it’s easy to overlook the potential dangers. Drinking a six pack after class. Smoking a joint to unwind. Popping a couple of pills to stay awake. Consuming alcohol or drugs might seem like an acceptable way to relax or cope, but it’s easy to overlook the potential dangers.

Even the “experimental” use of alcohol and drugs can negatively impact a person’s life. Blackouts, overdoses, and accidents can happen even when it seems like things are under control. Alcohol use can slide into abuse and then dependence. People who are dependent on alcohol or drugs may build up tolerance and need increasing amounts to feel the same effects. They may spend more time obtaining and using them, as well as recovering from their effects. They may find themselves repeatedly unable to quit using substances, even once they recognize that they have a problem. When they do quit, they can go into withdrawal, which is sometimes life threatening.

Alcoholism and drug addiction are diseases. The craving that an alcoholic or addict feels for their substance of choice can be as strong as the need for food or water. They will continue using despite serious family, health, or legal problems. Alcohol and/or drug use doesn’t necessarily have to affect your ability to function academically to be a problem. Consider also how it affects your health, relationships, and overall behavior.

Signs and Symptoms

Here are some warning signs of substance abuse and addiction:

Alcoholism

Abdominal pain
Confusion
Drinking alone
Episodes of violence with drinking
Hostility when confronted about drinking
Lack of control over drinking—being unable to stop or reduce alcohol intake
Making excuses to drink
Nausea and vomiting
Need for daily or regular alcohol use to function
Neglecting to eat
Not caring for physical appearance
Secretive behavior
Shaking in the morning

Drug Abuse

Cycles of being unusually talkative, “up” and cheerful, with seemingly boundless energy (often seen in cocaine, prescription stimulants and methamphetamines)
Increased irritability, agitation and anger
Unusual calmness, unresponsiveness, or looking “spaced out”
Apathy and depression
Paranoia and delusions
Temporary psychosis or hallucinations
Lowered threshold for violence
Abnormally slow movements, speech or reaction time, confusion and disorientation (often seen in opiates, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates)
Sudden weight loss or weight gain
Cycles of excessive sleep
Unexpected changes in clothing, such as constantly wearing long sleeved shirts, to hide scarring at injection sites
Suspected drug paraphernalia such as unexplained pipes, roach clips, or syringes
For snorted drugs, chronic troubles with sinusitis or nosebleeds
For smoked drugs, a persistent cough or bronchitis, leading to coughing up excessive mucus or blood
Progressive severe dental problems (especially with methamphetamines)

Getting Help

If you or someone you know may have a problem with alcohol or drugs, contact your campus health center to connect you or a friend with a therapist, group counseling, or rehab program. The health center can also provide the appropriate medical treatment if someone is suffering from withdrawal. Because substance use can seriously impair judgment, suicidal thoughts can be very real. Seek help immediately if you or a friend is showing signs of suicidal behavior.

Substance abuse can be treated. Treatment programs use both counseling and medications to help people stop abusing substances and rebuild their lives.

Recovery from addiction can sometimes be a life-long challenge. For some people, sobriety is an ongoing process that requires regular monitoring. Treatment focuses on teaching coping skills to help avoid temptations, maintaining a substance-free lifestyle, and dealing with cravings or relapses. With proper treatment, addiction is manageable and shouldn’t stand in the way of a successful, productive life.

Please be sure to select your school so we can provide you with information about resources and help on or near your campus.