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Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs

The University of North Georgia expects all students to follow all applicable laws and policies regarding alcohol and other drug use. At the same time, we recognize that some students will drink or use other substances despite this expectation. The only truly safe use is no use, but for those who do use, we believe it is important to know how to minimize the risk of harm to self and others from drinking or drug use. 

Decisions about substance use are personal. It’s your right and responsibility to make decisions for yourself. How often and how much you drink or use other drugs is your own personal choice. Therefore, it is important to make informed choices and understand potential consequences if you choose to engage in these activities.  

Alcohol

What Is A Standard Drink? 

In the United States, a standard drink is about 0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol. The body can metabolize about one drink per hour. A drink equals one 12 oz. beer, one 5 oz. glass of wine, or 1.5 oz. of 80-proof liquor. 

a standard drink is 12 ounces of beer 5% alcohol, 5 ounces of wine 12% alcohol, 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits 40% alcohol 80 proof e.g., vodka, whiskey, gin, rum

Understanding Blood Alcohol Content

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is the concentration of alcohol in the blood and is typically expressed as a percentage. For example, a BAC of 0.10% means there is one part alcohol for every 1,000 parts blood. 

Several factors can influence an individual’s BAC; including, but not limited to:  
  • Amount of alcohol consumed
  • Duration/Speed of consumption
  • Physiological differences between biological-males and biological-females
  • Body type/weight
  • If food is present in the stomach
  • If other medications are present in the body

Cannabis

The Effects of Cabbanis

The active chemical in cannabis is Tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC. Cannabis can be categorized as a depressant, a hallucinogen, or a stimulant. As a result, it is difficult to detect how one will react after using. When a person smokes marijuana, THC quickly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream. The blood carries the chemical to the brain and other organs throughout the body. The body absorbs THC more slowly when the person eats or drinks it. In that case, they generally feel the effects after 30 minutes to one hour.  

Cannabis Use Can Affect:

  • Concentration
  • Short and long term memory
  • Ability to learn
  • Sleep (interrupts REM for several days after use)
  • Altered senses (for example, seeing brighter colors)
  • Altered sense of time
  • Changes in mood
  • Impaired memory
  • Impaired body movement
  • Difficulty with thinking and problem-solving
  • Hallucinations (when taken in high doses)
  • Delusions (when taken in high doses)
  • Psychosis (risk is highest with regular use of high potency marijuana)

Marijuana also affects brain development. When people begin using marijuana as teenagers, the drug may impair thinking, memory, and learning functions and affect how the brain builds connections between the areas necessary for these functions. New research suggests that marijuana's effects can last up to three days.

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Prescription Drugs

Examples Method of Action Potential Effects of Misuse
Stimulants Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Dexedrine, medications prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Energy drinks are also categorized as stimulants because they contain substances that are intended to produce the effects of a stimulant. Increases alertness, attention and energy, elevates blood pressure, increases heart rate and respiration
  • Repeated use over a short period of time can lead to feelings of hostility and/or paranoia
  • High doses can result in dangerously high body temperature and irregular heartbeat
  • Can become dependent
  • If using chronically, can experience withdrawal symptoms including fatigue, depression, and disrupted sleeping patterns when you stop using
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants Valium and Xanax. Sometimes referred to as sedatives and tranquilizers. Used for treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders  Slow down the brain’s activity. Produces a drowsy or calming feeling.
  • Can experience withdrawals and physical dependence if use is reduced or abruptly stopped
  • If an individual stops using after continued use, brain activity can race out of control, potentially leading to seizures and other harmful effects
  • Combining CNS depressants and alcohol can affect heart rhythm, cause slow respiration and can lead to death 
Opioids Codeine, Oxycodone, OxyContin, Percocet.  Prescription narcotics prescribed for post-surgical pain relief and management of acute and chronic pain. Attach to receptors in the brain that block the perception of pain
  • Can produce drowsiness and cause severe respiratory depression
  • Can experience euphoric effects from use. This is intensified for individuals who abuse opioids
  • Misuse can lead to dependence and addiction
  • Withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes

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The misuse of prescription drugs includes:

  • Using higher doses or more frequently than prescribed
  • Taking medication prescribed to someone else
  • Alternating the delivery of the medication (e.g. crushing and snorting)
  • Using a prescription medication to get high

Tobacco and Other Nicotine Delivery Products

You Can Quit!

Nicotine is not the only concern and risk. E-cigarette liquid contains the chemical propylene glycol which is also found in antifreeze. Other combinations of chemicals are also present in tobacco, e-cigarettes and smokeless products that can lead to bronchitis, heart disease, and cancer. 

There's Help!

Tobacco Free  

 

This Is Quitting  

Text DITCHJUUL to 88709 

Become an Ex 

 

Tobacco 21

quitSTART App

Quit Vaping App

Truth Initiative

 

Harm Reduction Strategies & Resources