Alcohol & Drug Use

The use of alcohol and other drugs does occur among college students and on college campuses. Sometimes, using substances can be addictive and result in excessive use that may start to affect one's well being, interpersonal relationships, mental health, physical health, and/or academics. 

What is addiction? 

Addiction is a disease involving continued use of a substance, or engagement in a behavior, for which the rewarding effects provide a compelling incentive to repeat the activity, despite detrimental consequences, such as loss of control over use, health problems, or negative social consequences. Addition may involve the use of substances such as alcohol, cannabis, opioids, stimulants, taking medications not prescribed to you or not as prescribed, and/or nicotine, or behaviors such as gambling, and/or problematic internet use. 

The causes of addiction are multi-faceted and intertwined, and include genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and the use of drugs that are known to be highly addictive. Addiction causes changes in the brain's structure and functioning. It is not caused by poor willpower or character flaws. 

What are some warning signs of potentially unhealthy substance use?

  • Negative consequences to relationships
  • Dropping grades
  • Loss of interest in extracurricular activities 
  • Mood swings
  • Memory lapses, blackouts
  • Change in appearance
  • Changes in sleep patterns 
  • Legal or disciplinary problems, such as with Moravian University Conduct Office
  • High risk behavior such as binge drinking, drinking and driving, unprotected sex 

If you have questions or concerns about whether your own level of use is negatively impacting you, please consider reaching out to the Counseling Center. 

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