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Approximately 44% of college students are high risk drinkers. High risk drinking is defined for men as five or more alcoholic drinks within a two hour period, and for women four or more alcoholic drinks within a two hour period. Drinking this quickly allows for more alcohol to enter the body so that its effects can be felt sooner. Why do people drink to feel the effect? There are several: socializing, peer pressure, wanting to fit in as a freshman, experimentation of own limits, "feels good/is relaxing", boredom, escape problems, or negative feelings, modelled by families, addiction. These are many of the same reasons for anyone using illicit substances such as marijuana, ecstacy, or a myriad of other stimulants or depressants. Substance abuse is defined as the periodic use of a substance in order to change one's mood. Signs of abuse includes: using substances to cope with personal problems, to overcome shyness, using in order to build self-confidence, poor judgment, mood fluctuations, memory blackouts during or after use, using to excess. Substance dependence is defined as the obsessive/compulisve use of a substance in order to change one's mood. The signs are similar to abuse, but the severity of the behavior increases. Signs to look for include: using to excess, loss of time from school or work, depression due to use, loss of interest in family/friends, loss of interest in activities which were once of interest, using outside of a social setting, legal problems (DUI), health problems due to use, not fulfilling obligations because of use, making excuses when obligations are not fulfilled, blaming others for problems, manipulation. Confronting the substance abuse or dependence of someone is difficult, but necessary. Talk to the individual in an non-judgmental way about your feelings concerning their use. If the person denies that there is a problem with substance use let the person know what the consequences will be if they do not stop. If the person agrees to seek help, call Student Health and Counseling at 977-2323 for help with resources.
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