What you need to know…about Alcohol, Marjiuana, and Prescription Drugs
High-risk drinking is the drinking behaviors that are usually followed by negative consequences. According to the Higher Education Center and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) these behaviors include (but are not limited to): binge drinking, drinking and driving, underage drinking [1], combining alcohol and medications, being pregnant, and having a medical condition that can be worsened by drinking [2].
Consequences for these drinking behaviors can be in the form of legal and/or health issues. These consequences can include (but are not limited to):
- Driving under the influence (D.U.I)
- Minor in possession (M.I.P)
- Depression
- Heart disease
- Several types of cancer
What can you do?
To avoid some high-risk drinking behaviors, remember standard drink sizes: 
And, remember these moderate drinking tips:
- Set a limit before starting, and count your drinks.
- Space and pace yourself. Have one drink at a time.
- Eat food and drink water.
- Avoid playing drinking games.
Additional Resources:
- Rethinking Drinking: take a look at how your drinking habits affects your health
- College Drinking-Changing the Culture: high risk drinking and college students
- College Binge Drinking: For more information about the myths, dangers, and issues surrounding college high risk drinking
- Local Life Line: Douglas & Sarpy counties alcohol prevention and treatment resources for young adults
Hollywood and today’s music industry work hard to make “stoner” culture seem cool, natural and like it’s not a big deal. But, if your goals include being fit and getting good grades, using marijuana can become a big deal, fast. Marijuana limits your brain’s effectiveness, slows your thinking and impairs your coordination. A number of studies have also shown an association between chronic marijuana use and increased rates of anxiety, depression and schizophrenia.
In addition to the possible effects on your brain, smoking marijuana may also be hazardous to your lungs. Marijuana smoke contains 50% to 70% more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke. Not to mention, that smoking marijuana can lead to sexual dysfunction and impotence.
What can you do?
- Know the facts about Marijuana and make smart decisions about it
- Stand up to negative influences
- Be a positive influence on others
Learn how to Be The Difference – www.abovetheinfluence.com
Painkillers are among the most commonly abused prescription drugs. Without a doctor’s prescription and supervision, short- and long-term use of prescription painkillers can lead to dangerous side effects, including accidental overdose. When combined with alcohol or other drugs, these medications can be deadly, instantly.
Some people mistakenly believe that prescription stimulants, such as Adderall and Ritalin, can give them energy, help them focus and help them perform better in school. But if they haven’t been diagnosed with a condition that requires taking these drugs, stimulant abuse can lead to side effects that are both dangerous and deadly. When taken at high doses, with alcohol or with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, stimulants can cause irregular heartbeat, dangerously high body temperatures and the potential for seizures or heart failure [3].
Stimulants can also be highly addictive [4]. The more a person takes, the easier it is to get hooked. When stimulants are taken over a long period of time, stimulant abusers run the risk of suicidal and homicidal tendencies, paranoia and cardiovascular collapse [5].
What can you do?
- Know the facts about prescription drugs and make smart decisions about them
- Don’t share prescription drugs
- Properly dispose of old medications by crushing and mixing them with your trash
References:
- The Higher Education Center. Retrieved January 2012.
- National Institute On Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Retrieved January 2012.
- Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America. Teen Prescription Drug Abuse: Strategies to Prevent Prescription Drug Abuse Among Teens in Your Community. Published January 2008. Retrieved January 2012.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. NIDA InfoFacts: Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications. Revised July 2009. Retrieved January 2012.
- Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America. Teen Prescription Drug Abuse: Strategies to Prevent Prescription Drug Abuse Among Teens in Your Community. Published January 2008. Retrieved January 2012.