College is commonly seen as a time for self-exploration and new experiences, with many students engaging in alcohol and substance use. However, when not approached responsibly, these behaviors can have significant consequences. Understanding the risks and effects of substance use is crucial for making informed choices that protect individual health and the wellbeing of the campus community.
Alcohol
Alcohol (ethanol) is the most commonly used psychoactive substance (substance that affects how the brain works and causes changes in mood, awareness, thoughts, feelings, or behavior) in college settings. It functions as a depressant, slowing down the central nervous system, affecting brain function, and ultimately impairing judgment, coordination, and reaction times. Once consumed, alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine and metabolized by the liver. The intoxicating effects of alcohol vary depending on various components, such as, the consumers lifestyle, weight/height, age, metabolism, choice of drink, and genetics. Alcohol consumption can pose various short term (risky behavior, relaxation, etc.) and long term (liver damage, alcohol use disorder, etc.) symptoms.
Standard Drink = ~0.6 oz. pure alcohol
- 12 oz beer (5% alcohol)
- 5 oz wine (12% alcohol)
- 1.5 oz distilled spirits or liquor (40% alcohol)
Risks & Effects
Alcohol consumption can present short- and long-term effects on consumers. Short term effects include:
- Impaired judgement and coordination: Alcohol slows brain function, leading to poor decision-making and increased accident risks.
- Alcohol Poisoning: Heavy drinking can cause confusion, vomiting, seizures, and even death.
- Hangovers: Dehydration and the buildup of toxic byproducts can lead to headaches, nausea, fatigue, and other hangover symptoms
- Impact on Consent: Alcohol impairs the ability to give or interpret consent, increasing the risk of sexual assault.
Long term effects include liver damage, mental health issues, and addiction. Ultimately, alcohol consumption can interfere with various aspects of life, including academic performance, personal relationships, and mental health. Excessive drinking can impair cognitive function, leading to poor grades and decreased productivity. It can strain relationships with family and friends due to behavior changes and conflicts. Additionally, alcohol misuse is linked to mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, and may increase the risk of developing alcohol dependence or addiction.
Facts
- It takes about one hour for the body to process the alcohol in a standard drink.
- The body processes alcohol at a steady rate, about one standard drink per hour. No external factors, like coffee or cold showers, can speed up this process. Time is the only way to sober up.
- Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, initially affecting the brain areas responsible for judgment and self-control. As alcohol levels rise, it further impairs deeper brain functions, increasing overall impairment.
- Mixing alcohol with over-the-counter, prescription medications, or illegal drugs is dangerous and can lead to serious health risks, including adverse drug interactions, increased impairment, and potential overdose.
- Binge drinking, defined by the CDC as consuming enough alcohol to reach a BAC of 0.08% (typically 5 or more drinks for men, 4 or more for women within two hours), is linked to serious health risks. These include unintentional injuries, alcohol poisoning, liver disease, STDs, unintended pregnancies, and intentional injuries like sexual assault and fighting.
Tips to Avoid Hangovers
- Tip: Drinking slowly—about one standard drink per hour—reduces the likelihood of intoxication. Drinking faster causes alcohol to build up in the bloodstream, leading to quicker intoxication.
- Tip: Eating before or while drinking alcohol helps slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, reducing the intensity of its effects.
- Tip: Limit alcohol to moderate amounts and alternate with water to stay hydrated, reducing the risk of dehydration and minimizing hangover symptoms.
- Tip: Keep track of how many drinks you've had or have a trusted friend help monitor your intake. This can prevent accidental overconsumption and help you stay within your limit.
- Tip: Plan ahead and set a drinking limit for yourself before you start. Knowing your limit can help you make more mindful decisions and avoid drinking too much too quickly.
- Tip: Stay away from excessive amounts of sugary mixers, as they can speed up alcohol absorption and worsen dehydration.
- Tip: Make sure to get enough sleep after drinking. Alcohol disrupts sleep cycles, and quality rest helps your body recover