Alcohol
Most vulnerable time for heavy drinking in college students
First 6 weeks of the freshman year
Safe form of nicotine consumption
NONE!! While some forms (like vaping or patches) can seem "healthier," nicotine is still an addictive substance
Places from which you should not obtain marijuana/cannabis (and in general ALL drugs)
Reasons why college students would misuse stimulants
Study longer, stay awake longer, belief that it boosts cognitive function, stress and competition
Drugs/substances that are not allowed in GGC housing
Alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs, controlled substances, medicine that is not prescribed to you
This amount of drinks in 2 hours is considered binge drinking
Generally 4 or more drinks for women and 5 or more drinks for men in two hours
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms
Cravings/urges, irritation, restlessness, hard time concentrating, disrupted sleep, increased appetite, anxiety and depression
Signs of cannabis/THC intoxication or overdose
dizziness, confusion, anxiousness, paranoia, panic attacks, fast heart rate, nausea and vomiting, hallucinations, psychotic symptoms
Side effects and risks of using stimulants without a prescription
Anxiety, high blood pressure, fatigue, irritability, poor sleep, suppressed appetite
You can use this to reverse an opioid overdose (drugs like fentanyl, heroin, and prescription painkillers)
Narcan
Ounces of ethanol in a standard alcoholic drink
0.6 fluid ounces. This equates to 12 fl oz of beer, 5 fl oz of wine, 1.5 fl oz shot of distilled spirits, etc.
Nicotine can be as addictive as these other 2 substances
Type of condition that can occur from long term cannabis/THC use
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (causes nausea and vomiting and those affected tend to find relief from hot showers and baths)
Signs of stimulant overamping (overdose)
Overheating/heat stroke/temperature 104 F or above, dehydration, symptoms of a stroke (numbness or weakness in the face, trouble speaking, trouble seeing with both eyes, trouble walking, sudden severe headache), symptoms of a seizure (drooling/frothing, tingling/twitching in one part of the body, sudden falling, loss of consciousness, aura, changes in skin color, many other signs...), symptoms of heart attack/cardiac arrest (pressure/pain in the chest, discomfort in the neck/arms/jaw/back/stomach, shortness of breath, nausea)
Laws that ensure some legal protections for those who call 911 in case of an overdose
Good Samaritan laws, Georgia 9-1-1 Medical Amnesty Law
Confusion, Vomiting, Seizures, Slow breathing (fewer than eight breaths a minute), Breathing that's not regular (a gap of more than 10 seconds between breaths), Skin that looks blue, gray or pale, Low body temperature, Trouble staying conscious or awake.
Ways to quit nicotine
Switching to patches or gums, prescription medications like Varenicline and Bupropion, distract yourself with alternatives (talk to a friend, go outside), seek out counseling/therapy, be kind to yourself and understand that quitting is not a linear journey
Impacts of Cannabis/THC use on the body and brain
cognitive impacts like reduction in attention span, memory issues, ability to learn and retain information
Ways to help someone during a stimulant overdose
CALL 911/ Campus PD (678-407-5333)
Overheating - cool down with ice packs, turn on the fan, have a drink with electrolytes, place a cool wet cloth on armpits/back of knees/forehead.
Seizure - remain calm, put the person into a lying position and put a pillow under their head, turn the person to one side, remove sharp or dangerous objects from the person's area, do not restrain the person or try to open their mouth. Allow the person to rest after seizure, be present, and clear their airway of saliva/vomit.
On campus and off campus resources for students struggling with substance abuse and addiction
24/7/365 Mental Health Support Line (833.910.3366), Uwill, Local/National Substance Abuse Support listed on the GGC website (like View Point Health, Emory Addiction Center, etc), Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
What to do if someone has alcohol poisoning
Call 911/Campus PD (678-407-5333), stay with them, roll them on their side if unconscious or vomiting, keep them warm, check breathing and give CPR if breathing stops.
Reasons for using nicotine and risk groups
Coping with trauma and mental illness (or just daily stress), people who have other addictions or already abuse another substance, young adults, influence from family/friends, genetics
Side effects of mixing THC/Cannabis with other drugs or medication
increased impairment, slowed down breathing and extreme drowsiness, raised risk of bleeding (when using blood thinners), cannabis can stop your body from also clearing out medication as fast as your body normally would
Names of some prescription stimulants and the kind of conditions they can be intended for
Adderall and Dexedrine (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine), Ritalin and Concerta (methylphenidate), Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine).
Can be used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy, binge eating disorder, and some other conditions.
Types of beneficial health and studying habits in college
Getting 8 hours of sleep, eating 3 meals a day, getting tutoring and other support from the AEC, attending all classes on time, getting mental health support when needed (like CAPS), ASK FOR HELP!!