Campus Wellness
How can I use alcohol and other drugs safely
Most Pacific University students choose to use alcohol and other drugs safely. When polled, the vast majority of students agreed that keeping themselves and their friends safe while using was one of their closely held values. Here's how:
- Know your limits. Students often confuse the enjoyable parts of substance use (lowered inhibitions, meeting new people, having new experiences, physical enjoyment) with intoxication - when actually intoxication is most associated with negative experiences (blacking out, alcohol poisoning, hangovers, vomiting, poor decision making).
- Make it ok for others not to use. If someone you're with doesn't want to use, support and accept their choice. We often "allow" a pass for someone who is a designated driver or in recovery - but what about people who just don't want to? Peer pressure is lame, don't do it.
- Know the symptoms of alcohol poisoning - don't leave someone who has had too much to drink alone.
- Be aware of your responsibilities and the consequences to your actions. Make good choices. If you host a party and someone gets hurt, you could be held responsible.
- Watch out for others. If you see someone making poor choices, reach out and support them. Don't leave friends alone in strange situations or with people they don't know.
- Understand how intoxication prevents the ability consent to sexual activity.