College 101: Partying

College 101: Safe Party Practices

Plan Ahead

• Know when and how you'll get home

• Set a limit on what you plan to consume

• Surround yourself with people you trust

• Eat and drink water before and during

If Using Alcohol

• Only bring/buy what you plan to drink

• Pour your own drinks so you know how much alcohol is in it

• Keep your drink with you

If Using Drugs

• Don't mix drugs and alcohol

• Choose the least harmful method of use

• Know the signs of an overdose

• Be with someone who will help in an emergency

• If you're using needles, only use clean ones or access a needle exchange program

Peer pressure can make it harder to make the right decision for yourself. Stand up for yourself, your safety, and the safety of others.

College 101: Drugs and Alcohol

If someone chooses to use alcohol or drugs, the aim is to minimize harm from substance use on their body.

This is referred to as a harm-reduction approach.

Alcohol

Acts as a sedative. This means it slows down brain activity, the nervous system, and the communication that goes on between the two.

Drugs

Drugs interfere with how the brain sends, receives, and processes information, but this interference can occur in a variety of ways.

Signs of Harmful Consequences

Substance abuse can result in irritability, depression, issues with personal relationships, and feelings of anxiety or loss of hope.