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Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs

Determining if you or someone you know misuses alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, or prescription medications can be difficult. Understanding the warning signs and dispelling myths about substance use improves access to care for students seeking help. Additionally, it also puts students, faculty, and staff in a better position to support someone who wants to abstain from alcohol and other drugs, encourage moderate alcohol use if they decide to use, and assist those who show signs of problem drinking and other substance use. 

Use vs. Abuse

No two words appear to create more confusion regarding alcohol and other drug use than the terms "use" and "abuse". Alcohol and other drug use refers to the amount (quantity) that one consumes. Alcohol and other drug use can lead to abuse when one engages in high-risk usage despite repeated negative consequences (e.g. legal, physical, psychological, medical, academic problems, etc.).

Despite common perceptions that all college students drink heavily, data from national statistics suggests that most college students drink moderately. Dartmouth's own evaluation and research team has discovered the same results. A majority of Dartmouth students drink 0-4 drinks when they party.

Clues to High-Risk Use

Concerns Seen by Friends or Peers

  • Use alcohol or drugs to get intentionally drunk/high
  • Use alcohol or drugs out of boredom
  • Use alcohol or drugs to gain social acceptance
  • Use alcohol or drugs to decrease anxiety and be able to talk/dance more easily at parties
  • Use alcohol or drugs to avoid thinking about problems
  • Miss class due to the effects of alcohol or drugs
  • Sleep through class
  • Experience a change in attitude either when using or sober (e.g. belligerent, argumentative)
  • Change in mood either when using or sober (e.g. mood swings, irritability, etc.)
  • Experiences blackouts (forgets things that happen while using)
  • Experience passing out (difficult to arouse)
  • Express suicidal ideation when using
  • Consume alcohol and other drugs before "going out" to gain "optimal buzz"
  • Engage in numerous sexual encounters while intoxicated
  • Dump friends who express concern about usage
  • Has high tolerance
  • Drive while using and/or rides in a car with someone who is using

Concerns for a Student Seen by Faculty

  • Poor class attendance
  • Sudden change in attitude (e.g. neglecting academic studies)
  • Inattentive in class (e.g. avoids class discussions and tardiness)
  • Erratic behavior (e.g. mood swings)
  • Missing deadlines for assignments
  • Making excuses
  • Poor grooming
  • Writing assignments that focus on substance use and seem to be autobiographical

One sign doesn't mean that a problem exists. However, the accumulation of two or more signs increases the likelihood that a problem exists.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

How to Help

If you know a student who exhibits any of the signs listed above, you can help by doing the following:

  • Talk to student when they are sober
  • Relay concerns and avoid judging
  • Describe to student specific behavior you have observed
  • Talk to student about potential and actual consequences of behavior
  • Talk to student in group format, if one or more persons express concern
  • Contact Student Wellness Center and/or the Counseling Center for tips on how to intervene
  • Provide student with campus resources (names, phone numbers, places, etc.)

To schedule an appointment for yourself or to talk to a counselor about a concern for a student, please call the Counseling Center at 603-646-9442.

When to Contact Emergency Services

If a person who has been using shows any one of these signs....

  • Difficult to arouse
  • Shallow breathing
  • Uncontrollable vomiting
  • Cold, clammy skin
  • Fever or chills
  • Skin that is blue under finger nails
  • An intent on driving while using
  • Combativeness and belligerence

Do not wait! Call 911 or Safety & Security at 603-646-3333.