Campus survey data shows that many UWM students choose not to drink and most currently do not use cannabis or other drugs. Not using is a healthy, optimal choice. Risks are inherent in alcohol or other drug use, and students who choose to use are encouraged to adopt strategies to lower the chances for harm to health, relationships, academics, personal safety, or the safety of others. Some strategies include:
- Take a break and use less often.
- Set limits before you drink. Lower risk guidelines for females are no more than 3 drinks per occasion and no more than 7 drinks per week. Lower risk guidelines for males are no more than 4 drinks per occasion and no more than 14 drinks per week.
- Pace at about 1 drink per hour. Sip instead of slam and alternate between nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks.
- Eat a substantial meal before drinking.
- Choose cannabis products with a lower THC content and only purchase cannabis from a licensed dispensary.
- Only use pills as prescribed for you by a medical professional and purchased from a licensed pharmacy. Never use pills from a friend, stranger, social media/internet.
- Plan ahead so that you will not be driving after drinking/using or riding in a car with a driver who has been drinking/using.
- Avoid mixing substances, including alcohol, other drugs, prescription and some over-the-counter medications.
- Only drink or use when others are around so they can help if you need it.
- Use a test strip on street drugs to check for the presence of fentanyl, a powerful and dangerous synthetic opioid that is put into drugs, often without the user’s knowledge, and can cause a person to overdose.
- If you or friends use opioids or other drugs, carry Narcan, a safe medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
- Learn how to recognize and respond in an emergency situation – you could save a life.
- Avoid the use of substances as a way to “cope” or to avoid issues in your life that may be causing you worry or distress. Find healthy self-care strategies and consider seeking help.
- Reach out for help if you are struggling with alcohol or other drug use. Help is available and people can and do get better.