Alcohol and Other Drugs
Our Philosophy
Wellness Education Services is part of a network of campus departments that support and promote healthy behaviors. Wellness Education's philosophy on alcohol and other drug education and harm reduction are:
- Providing the most recent data concerning alcohol and other drugs is the best way to inform students and give them a chance to make the most responsible decisions concerning alcohol and other drug use.
- While alcohol and other drug use is a concern on college campuses, the majority of college students drink moderately or not at all.
- Enforcement of laws and policies concerning alcohol and drug use creates a campus environment that is united in its goal for a healthy campus community.
- Alcohol and drug-free events and activities are an integral part of our healthy campus environment.
Background Information
Research has shown that abuse of alcohol and drugs is a national public health concern. More than 43% of college students report some heavy episodic drinking and thousands of students annually experience problems related to their alcohol use, including unintentional injuries, risky sexual behaviors, sexual assault, fights, and traffic crashes. (Alcohol Policies on College Campuses, Jnl Amer College Health, Vol 53 (4), Jan/Feb 2005).
The college experience is so much more than getting a degree; it's about developing one's identity and forming lifetime health behaviors, including one's use of alcohol and other drugs. To neglect alcohol and drug education, including how students successfully adopt healthy behaviors, could detrimentally impact every other area of an individual's life. Since substance use effects both those who use and bystanders, substance abuse is a concern to the entire university community and requires a community response.
Reducing the Risk
- Students can have a complete and enjoyable college experience without drinking or doing other drugs.
- Underage drinking and the use of any illegal drug violates university policy and New York State law.
- Alcohol and other drug consumption increases your risk of being a perpetrator or being a victim of assault.
- Students can increase other student's safety by calling 645-2222 (on campus) or 911 (off campus) in an alcohol or drug overdose situation.
- Using any mind-altering substance and driving puts the driver, passengers and others on the road at risk.
- Most college students overestimate the amount and frequency of substance use among their peers.
- Mixing alcohol and other drugs can have unexpected and dangerous outcomes.
- Alcohol and drug use can interfere with academic success.
- Most University at Buffalo students do not use illegal drugs.
- Be well informed. New information on drugs is coming from new research all the time. What was thought to be true, even a few years ago, may no longer be accurate.
* Inspired by Western Washington University www.wwu.edu
UB, Community, and Internet Resources
On Campus:
- Counseling Services, 645-2720
- Student Health Services, 829-3316
- Wellness Education Services, 645-2837
- University Police, 645-2222
Off Campus in Buffalo:
- Alcoholics Anonymous, 853-0388
- Alcohol & Drug Dependency Services, 855-0163
- Division of Substance Abuse Services, 851-4280
- Horizon Health Services, 831-1800
- Research Institute on Addictions, 887-2387
Websites:
- College Drinking and Prevention
- The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drugs
- Bacchus and Gamma Peer Education Network
- Counseling Center Village
- Facts on Tap
UB Programs and Partnerships
UB-SAFER (Students Avoiding Further Exposure to Risk)
The UB-SAFER program is an educational resource available to all students who wish to learn more about potential consequences associated with drug and alcohol usage. The program offers education in a safe environment to help students make healthy decisions. Referrals to this program are often made through the Student Wide Judiciary and the Resident Halls and Apartments, for violation of an alcohol or other drug policy or law, on or off campus. UB-SAFER referral page
Presentations and Training
Ongoing programs are available for residence halls and apartments, UB 101 classes, Greek chapters, athletic teams, and Student Association clubs. Topics include: "What's in Your Cup?".
In addition, WES staff meets with Resident Advisors to train them in skills to identify signs of alcohol and drug abuse and how to seek help for students at risk. RAs can submit an online program request.
Alcohol and Drug Free Activities
On-going Wellness activities are available to students so they may learn healthy ways to socialize that do not involve alcohol and drugs. These programs include yoga, fitness hour, walking club, and others. Visit Life & Learning Workshopsto register.
Alcohol Review Board
A team of committed professionals on the Alcohol Review Board is involved in large-scale, substance-free program planning and policy enforcement. Its members include representatives from Residence Life, Greek Affairs, Research Institute on Addictions, Office of Student Life, Public Safety, Counseling Center, Student Health Center, and students. This committee has been active in providing training and educational materials about binge drinking liabilities, medical signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning, responsibilities of designated drivers and party hosts, problems associated with excessive alcohol use, and advocating for a shared responsibility in addressing high-risk drinking.
The Alcohol and Drug Research Advisory Group
The advisory group consists of faculty, researchers, administrators, and student representatives with expertise or interest in the prevention of substance use among college students. The broad purpose of this group is to provide a forum for bridging research findings and prevention/intervention activities. More specifically, the advisory group is responsible for gathering data regarding substance use and associated problems, interpreting these data and providing a comprehensive approach to promoting healthy behaviors in relation to alcohol and other drugs. More information.
