Alcohol and other drugs
Alcohol
Alcohol is a depressant that affects the central nervous system, as well as every organ in the body. The intoxicating effect of alcohol can affect people's judgment and behavior in many ways, potentially causing them to do things they would not do if not under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol has been shown to increase the risk of unintentional injuries, homicide, and suicide, which are the leading causes of death for people 19-24.
Many students assume that all college students drink alcohol, but this is not true. Of those students who choose to drink, many of them do it responsibly. A 2009 study showed that 27% of college students reported that they do not consume alcohol. Of students who do drink, 39% reported having 4 or fewer drinks the last time they "partied" (ACHA). The choice of whether or not to drink, as well as how much to drink, is an individual decision that each person must make for themselves. It is important to remember that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to consume alcohol.
If you have questions about alcohol and college students, or think that you or a friend may have a drinking problem, you can speak to a professional in UHS Behavioral Health at 859-323-5511 or in the Counseling Center at 859-257-8701. You can also review the following Web sites for more information:
Other drugs
The use of street drugs, date-rape drugs, and the abuse of prescription drugs has risen among college students in recent years. This leads to young people becoming addicted to these drugs, as well as health problems and other negative consequences, including death. According to a 2009 survey of college students, approximately 20% of respondents reported using some type of drug in the past 12 months. If you have questions about alcohol and college students, or think that you or a friend may be addicted to drugs, you can speak to a professional in UHS Behavioral Health at 859-323-5511 or in the Counseling Center at 859-257-8701. You can also review the following Web sites for more information:
Opioids (e.g., Heroin, prescription pain medications) are substances that carry a high risk of addiction. Buprenorphine (brand name: Suboxone, Subutex) is an Opioid medication used to treat Opioid dependence. Use of this medication can be costly, and patients who are interested in this treatment must be willing to go regularly to Narcotics Anonymous, and to provide weekly (and random) urine drug screens. If you or someone you know has problems with Opioid use and would like to discuss options, please call 859-323-5511 and ask to schedule an appointment with Dr. Neltner in UHS Behavioral Health.
For more information on this type of treatment: http://www.naabt.org/