The University of North Georgia expects all students to follow all applicable laws and policies regarding alcohol and other drug use. At the same time, we recognize that some students will drink or use other substances despite this expectation. The only truly safe use is no use, but for those who do use, we believe it is important to know how to minimize the risk of harm to self and others from drinking or drug use.
Decisions about substance use are personal. It’s your right and responsibility to make decisions for yourself. How often and how much you drink or use other drugs is your own personal choice. Therefore, it is important to make informed choices and understand potential consequences if you choose to engage in these activities.
In the United States, a standard drink is about 0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol. The body can metabolize about one drink per hour. A drink equals one 12 oz. beer, one 5 oz. glass of wine, or 1.5 oz. of 80-proof liquor.
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is the concentration of alcohol in the blood and is typically expressed as a percentage. For example, a BAC of 0.10% means there is one part alcohol for every 1,000 parts blood.
The active chemical in cannabis is Tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC. Cannabis can be categorized as a depressant, a hallucinogen, or a stimulant. As a result, it is difficult to detect how one will react after using. When a person smokes marijuana, THC quickly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream. The blood carries the chemical to the brain and other organs throughout the body. The body absorbs THC more slowly when the person eats or drinks it. In that case, they generally feel the effects after 30 minutes to one hour.
Marijuana also affects brain development. When people begin using marijuana as teenagers, the drug may impair thinking, memory, and learning functions and affect how the brain builds connections between the areas necessary for these functions. New research suggests that marijuana's effects can last up to three days.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
Examples | Method of Action | Potential Effects of Misuse | |
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Stimulants | Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Dexedrine, medications prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Energy drinks are also categorized as stimulants because they contain substances that are intended to produce the effects of a stimulant. | Increases alertness, attention and energy, elevates blood pressure, increases heart rate and respiration |
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Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants | Valium and Xanax. Sometimes referred to as sedatives and tranquilizers. Used for treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders | Slow down the brain’s activity. Produces a drowsy or calming feeling. |
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Opioids | Codeine, Oxycodone, OxyContin, Percocet. Prescription narcotics prescribed for post-surgical pain relief and management of acute and chronic pain. | Attach to receptors in the brain that block the perception of pain |
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Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse