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  

• 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].