Substance Abuse
“The continued use of alcohol or other drugs is causing and continuing significant disruption in an individual’s personal, social, spiritual physical, and/or economic life and the person does not stop using alcohol or other drugs.” - American Medical Association
Signs and Symptoms
- Loss of Control
- Drinking or using in larger amounts or over longer periods of time than intended
- Feeling unable to stop drinking or using
- Excessive Use
- Binge drinking or using
- Drinking or using frequently
- Time Spent Using and Recovering
- Ensuring alcohol or drug of choice is always available
- Ensuring multiple opportunities to drink or use
- Frequent need for time to recover from drinking or drug use due to hangovers, physical consequences, etc.
- Drinking or Using at Inappropriate Times
- Before class, work, or other commitments
- Drinking or using at hazardous times, such as before driving
- Drinking or Using is the Priority
- Making drinking or using a priority over class, work, and involvement in activities
- Spending more time with friends who drink or use and less time with friends who do not
- Continuing to Drink or Use Despite Consequences
- Consequences can include but are not limited to poor performance in classes or at work, relationship problems, physical problems, and alcohol or drug charges through the University or police
- Tolerance
- Needing to drink or use in larger amounts to get the same buzz or high
- Withdrawal
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking or using, such has headaches, anxiety, sleep disruptions, and difficulty concentrating
- Self-Medicating
- Drinking or using to alleviate anxiety, sleep, reduce physical symptoms, or alter mood
Reference: A Guide to Understanding Addiction, The BACCHUS & GAMMA Peer Education Network, 2008
For more information or to get help, visit On-Campus Resources, Off-Campus Resources or review the Standards of Student Conduct [PDF].