Gorilla Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Program
Program Overview
Objective: The Gorilla Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Program is designed to provide non-judgmental preventative education about alcohol and other substances(s) use and abuse.
Mission: Our mission is to help Pitt State students make smart, safe choices about alcohol, and to provide clear information on the risks of marijuana and other substances.
Education: Our Wellness and Student Advocacy Services Coordinator offers prevention, education, and informational programs to assist with student needs related to alcohol, drugs, suicide prevention and mental health. Please fill out the Outreach Form at least 3 weeks prior to your presentation request.
Talk to a professional: Licensed counselors committed to your overall wellness and behavioral health are ready to assist you with everything from crisis intervention to medication management to substance use.
Call the Bryant Student Health Center at 620-235-4452 for an appointment. Day of appointments are available. You can also receive online mental health support from a licensed counselor through our Telus Health app.
- TELUS Health Student Support on App Store
- TELUS Health Student Support on Google Play Store
Resources
- Bryant Student Health Center
- Crawford County Mental Health Center
- University Police and Public Safety
- Student Legal Services
- Pittsburg Police Department
- Crawford County Sheriff’s Office
- Pitt State Drug and Alcohol Abuse Statement and policy
- Smoking and Tobacco Use Policy
- Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities
- Residence Hall Policies
Other Helpful Links
- Adult Children of Alcoholics World Service
- Alanon-Alateen
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Cocaine Anonymous
- Drink Calculator
- Families Anonymous
- Marijuana Anonymous
- Narcotics Anonymous
- National Institute on Drug Abuse
- National Poison Control: 800-222-1222
- Sex, Etc.
- Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- Tobacco Information
Information on health risks of alcohol and drugs
Alcohol and drug use can affect your physical and mental health, personal safety, relationships, and academic success. Learn about the risks, recognize signs of an emergency, and find information that can help you make informed decisions.
Health Risks and Education
How alcohol affects your body
See how alcohol moves through the body and affects different organs and systems.
Alcohol and You: Interactive Body
Content provided by College Drinking Prevention.
College drinking
Alcohol misuse can have serious consequences for college students, affecting health, safety, academic performance, and others in the campus community.
Potential consequences of alcohol misuse
Injury and death
Alcohol use can increase the risk of unintentional injuries, including motor vehicle crashes and other potentially fatal incidents.
Assault and sexual assault
Alcohol is associated with an increased risk of interpersonal violence. Alcohol or other substances are also involved in many incidents of sexual assault on college campuses. Alcohol use never makes a person responsible for being assaulted.
Academic problems
Drinking can interfere with academic performance. Students may miss classes, fall behind in coursework, or perform poorly on tests and assignments as a result of alcohol use.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD)
Repeated or problematic alcohol use can lead to alcohol use disorder, a medical condition characterized by difficulty stopping or controlling alcohol use despite negative consequences.
Other consequences
Alcohol misuse may contribute to injuries, health problems, unsafe sexual behavior, impaired driving, property damage, interactions with law enforcement, and mental health concerns.
Learn more from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Reducing alcohol-related risks
If you choose to drink alcohol, there are steps you can take to reduce risk:
- Alternate alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages.
- Drink slowly and keep track of how much you consume.
- Plan transportation before drinking and never drive while impaired.
- Don't accept an open drink or a mixed drink you did not see being prepared.
- Never leave your drink unattended.
- Stay with friends and look out for one another.
What is a standard drink?
In the United States, one standard drink contains approximately the same amount of alcohol as:
- 12 oz. of beer at about 5% alcohol
- 5 oz. of wine at about 12% alcohol
- 1.5 oz. of distilled spirits at about 40% alcohol (80 proof)
Recognize an alcohol emergency
Alcohol overdose can be life-threatening. Warning signs can include inability to wake up, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, clammy skin, and pale or bluish skin.
Call 911 immediately if you suspect an alcohol overdose. Do not leave the person alone or assume they can “sleep it off.”
Drug use and misuse
Drug use can affect judgment, coordination, physical health, mental health, and academic performance. Risks vary considerably depending on the substance, dose, method of use, and whether substances are combined.
Misuse of prescription medications and use of substances such as cannabis, stimulants, opioids, hallucinogens, inhalants, nicotine, and other drugs can carry significant health and safety risks. Combining drugs with alcohol can further increase those risks.
Repeated alcohol or drug use can also lead to substance use disorders and may be associated with mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression.
For additional information, see the National Institute on Drug Abuse and Monitoring the Future.