Drug & Alcohol Awareness - Just Say Know

The Drug & Alcohol awareness week aims to encourage awareness and discussions of student substance use and well-being. The UPSU pledged to join the conversation through the Just Say Know - Drug & Alcohol Harm Reduction Campaign.

Disclaimer: The advice in this article is intended for educational purposes only and aims to reduce harm, not promote use. UPSU does not condone illegal drug use and encourages students to make safe, informed decisions. If you are struggling with substance use, support is available. Advice quoted has been taken from recognised bodies such as the NHS and is correct at time of publishing.

The University recognises that students may be affected by alcohol or drug misuse and ‘where a student declares that they have a problem, [have been] involved in spiking incidents or where a student has been approached to purchase and take drugs, their [the student’s] case will be treated sympathetically and in confidence’. The aim is to ensure that students are offered support and are educated about the risks posed by alcohol or drug misuse (UOP - Student Drug & Alcohol Guidance). 

Truths & Myths 

The use of drugs and alcohol comes with a lot of myths and misconceptions. To reduce harm from usage, it is important to be aware of the risks of taking substances. Have a go at 5 Truth or Myths about drug & alcohol usage (answers are included at the end of the article):

Drugs, alcohol & you

Although we encourage all students to abstain from illegal substances, we understand some students choose to experiment. It is important to inform yourself on how to reduce the risk of harm.

Drugs

Drugs can change the way the brain works and the effects can impact everyone differently. It depends on the person, the drug and even the environment you are in when you take it. But here’s the bottom line: drugs always come with risks, and they can seriously harm your health, often with effects that linger long term.

The Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS) mentions that in the case you choose to experiment with drugs, you should take into consideration the following to keep safe:

• Start LOW, Go SLOW - start with a small dose and wait at least 2 hours before re-dosing if you do not feel the effects (⚠︎ Drugs and their effect are not instantaneous ⚠︎)
• Avoid mixing drugs, especially with alcohol (⚠︎ Produces long-term health consequences and may lead to overdosing without realising ⚠︎)
• Stay hydrated with non-alcoholic drinks - sip on non-alcoholic drinks (no more than a pint an hour)
• NO set doses - drug metabolism relies on factors that vary massively from person to person (⚠︎ Your dose might not be the same as your friend’s ⚠︎)
• Avoid using drugs in a low mood - drugs can worsen feeling of anxiety and depression 
• Don’t be afraid to seek help - seek help from emergency services, be honest to staff and keep company to any unwell friends until help arrives

(Information from SOS)

Alcohol 

Being at university can be tough. From assignments, to taking care of your own place and trying to fit in - it can be quite exhausting. At the end of the day, it might feel like alcohol can release the tension, give you confidence to fit in and help you have a good time with your friends. But drinking too much can turn a fun night into a messy one, with risks of accidents, injuries or worse. It might turn fun memories into ones of embarrassment and regret. Over time, heavy drinking can take a serious toll on your health too. 

Knowing your limits is key. On a night out, pause for a moment to check in with yourself - are you drinking more than you are comfortable with? If the answer is yes, then perhaps it’s time to call it a night. Being aware of your habits is the first step in preventing alcohol harm.

General signs of over-drinking include:

• You crave alcohol
• You need a drink in the morning to get yourself going 
• You can’t cut down or stop once you get started on drinking 
• Withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, sweating, anxiety or vomiting

If you feel like some of the above apply to you, don’t be afraid to reach out for support. 

Tips on drinking responsibly:

• Set yourself a limit and stick to it
• Switch up between non-alcoholic drinks and alcoholic drinks - one drink per hour with sips of water in-between to quench thirst and feel fuller
• Skip the drinking games and shots 
• Eat before and while drinking alcohol - load up the carbs!

⚠︎ The faster you drink, the higher your blood alcohol concentration, which increases your risk of injury and overdose ⚠︎

Support 

If you are struggling with the usage of drugs and alcohol, there are multiple ways of getting help.

The NHS suggests that a good place to start is with your GP, who will suggest different types of assessments and support options available to you - NHS Alcohol support & NHS Drug addiction

Additionally, the Solent Recovery College can help you learn how to manage your mental health and tackle misuse of drugs & alcohol. The course is taught in a classroom setting or via Zoom and it provides an opportunity to learn skills for living in a safe and confidential environment (T: 07769 647168, E: SRC@solentmind.org.uk). 

Lastly, the Portsmouth Recovery Hub provides confidential advice and support around drug and alcohol use for adults (T: 023 9229 4573 E: recovery.hub@ssj.org.uk)

How can you work with yourself?

💰 Did you consider the impact of drugs & alcohol usage on your money? Just by cutting one beer per week, you could save £218.98 a year. What about cutting two beers per week? You could save £437.96 a year! You could go on a nice summer holiday to treat yourself just by cutting two beers per week (Sip less, save more)! 💰

At University, there are various ways you can make new friends and enjoy their company:

• Enjoy the cafes around the city and visit museums, the aquarium, the cinema and the beach!
• Join a society of your interest and get involved through their social activities.
• Play a sport!

Truth & Myths answers:

1. Beer before wine or wine before beer? (Myth) 
2. Alcohol use is a significant risk factor for dementia. (Truth)
3. Cocaine and alcohol cancel each other out. (Myth) 
4. Cannabis helps with comedowns. (Myth)
5. Alcohol is a depressant. (Truth) 

(Sources: Bust the myths & 30 interesting alcohol facts)

If you feel that you are struggling with your health & mental wellbeing, the University provides wellbeing support - UOP - Health and Wellbeing