Practicing Drug and Alcohol Safety

Friday, September 13, 2024

College is all about exploring, growing and finding your path. Along the way, you'll have a ton of new experiences and opportunities that help shape who you are. But with all these new 'adulting' moments, you might come across situations involving alchohol or drugs.

First off, OSU is a dry campus. That means no alcohol or drugs on campus. Leave those risky decisions off-campus, and keep it clean while you’re here.

Why Staying Informed is a Big Deal

We know the social scene is fun, but it’s important to recognize the risks too. Whether it’s knocking back a few drinks or encountering substances, things can escalate quickly. We’re talking about serious consequences that could affect your health, well-being and longterm future.

Alcohol + College Life

Sure, a drink or two sounds harmless, but alcohol can really mess with your judgment, coordination and sometimes get you into sticky situations. And alcohol poisoning? That’s no joke—it’s life-threatening.

Know these warning signs of alcohol poisoning:

Vomiting
Irregular breathing
Low body temperature
Unconsciousness (blacking out)

The Lowdown on Drug Use

Substances? Just say no, especially when you don’t know what you’re getting into. It can lead to anxiety, paranoia and worse—cardiac arrest.

If you plan on attending parties or social events off campus, be aware of ways to prevent being impacted by date rape drugs. Date rape drugs (otherwise known as roofies) can incapacitate individuals, making them more vulnerable to sexual assault and other crimes.

Signs of date rape drugs include:

Slurred speech
Dizziness or confusion
Memory loss
Breathing problems

OSU’s got your back if you need help! Check out the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center, OSU Counseling Services or the Higher Education Prevention Services Grant for resources.

Stillwater Fun Without the Risks

Who says you need alcohol or drugs to have fun? There’s tons to do in Stillwater that’ll give you all the feels without the dangers.

Hit up the great outdoors: Lake Carl Blackwell and Lake McMurtry are perfect for a day of kayaking, paddleboarding or just soaking in the sun.
Chill at the OSU Botanical Garden: It’s Insta-worthy, peaceful and a great spot to unwind.
Cheer on the Cowboys: What’s better than game day vibes? The energy of game day is unreal!
Join campus events: Whether it’s student-led activities or cultural celebrations, OSU has something going on 24/7. Check out the OSU Calendar to stay in the loop.

GIF of man dancing saying "We're going to have some fun"

Your Future = Your Choices

At the end of the day, every decision you make impacts your future. Keep your health and safety front and center so you can enjoy every moment of your college journey.

Cowboys take care of themselves and their crew, so make sure you’re making smart moves. The best memories are always made when you’re looking out for each other, and best when you can remember them.

Stay safe, stay informed, and as always, GO POKES!