Practicing Drug and Alcohol Safety

Monday, August 28, 2023

Our college years bring some of the most unique and memorable moments in our lives. We encounter experiences that are completely new and a world of opportunities we’ve often only dreamt of. However, all these new experiences and opportunities aren’t always positive. 

It’s no secret that college life can introduce a large party scene. With parties comes the possibility of alcohol and substance abuse. So, here are a few things you need to know to make the most of your time at OSU while being responsible for your well-being!

 

How alcohol and substance use puts your health risk

Alcohol affects your judgment, coordination and can increase aggressive or violent behavior. Short-term use can result in hyperventilation, while long-term use can result in irreversible physical and mental impairment, including liver disease, heart disease, cancer, ulcers, gastritis, delirium tremens, and pancreatitis. Driving under the influence of alcohol is particularly dangerous and is a major cause of traffic-related deaths.

The use of drugs can induce restlessness, irritability, anxiety, paranoia, seizures, cardiac arrest, respiratory failure and death. Date Rape Drugs may incapacitate a person, specifically when mixed with the consumption of alcohol. Date Rape Drugs are characterized as such because they increase the vulnerability to sexual assault and other crimes.

 

Symptoms of Date Rape Drugs:

• Slurred speech
• Dizziness
• Loss of muscle control
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Lowered blood pressure
• Vision problems
• Increased sensuality
• Sweating
• Slow heart rate
• Vomiting
• Problems breathing

 

We offer several on-campus resources designed specifically for drug and alcohol use:

• Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program
• Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center

• OSU Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center (405) 744-5458

 

What is there to do in Stillwater that doesn’t involve substances?

The great news is, there is so much fun to be had in college. Stillwater and OSU offer several fun opportunities for you and your friends that don’t threaten your mental or physical wellbeing!

• Camping and lake recreation
• Both Lake Carl Blackwell and Lake McMurtry offer picnic areas, campsites and water access. Lake McMurtry also has kayak and paddle board rentals!
• The OSU Botanical Garden
• Students work hard year-round to create a beautiful landscape for you to enjoy! Go with friends to admire their work and maybe take some very insta worthy pictures!
• Ultimate Trampoline Park
• I refuse to believe we ever outgrow trampoline parks.
• OSU Sporting events
• Catch a game with your friends and cheer on the Cowboy and Cowgirl sports teams! There is nothing quite like the Cowboy fan experience.
• Campus events
• There are several different programs and departments across campus that offer fun opportunities for students! You can find those on our OSU Calendar.

At the end of the day, you are your own person, and you are responsible for your success in life. Each choice has a consequence with varying impacts on your future. I hope you take the time to embrace each aspect of college life and enjoy even the long nights inevitably spent in Edmon Low.