Be safe with drugs and alcohol

During your time at university you meet people who use drugs or alcohol. Learn more about how drugs and alcohol can affect you, or get help to stop using them.

Drug use in society

The uses for drugs in our lives are many and varied. They may be used as medicines, for improving performance, for relaxation, or for having fun. Used as medicine they can have a positive impact on our body and mind when we are sick. Many people enjoy a drink of alcohol when they are with family and friends. Some people take drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with stress in their life, and some use drugs frequently as they are addicted to them. During your time at university you may come in contact with a variety of drugs that you may want to know more about.

Drug use and your study

Drugs can dramatically affect your thoughts and behaviour, this includes your ability to study. Under the influence of drugs or alcohol your memory, concentration, and critical thinking are all affected. If you are finding that your drug or alcohol use is too frequent that you are struggling under their influence to submit work on time, this may mean you have a problem with drug or alcohol use and we recommend you speak to a counsellor.

Quick tips

Be honest with yourself about your drug or alcohol use.
Get someone, perhaps a counsellor, to help you stop using drugs or alcohol.
If you are using drugs or alcohol frequently, identify when you are least under their influence and plan to study then.
Keep trying to quit, it may take several goes before you give up completely.

Taking it further

The Australian Drug Foundation - If you wish to know more about drugs and their effects on you, you can read more about them at The Australian Drug Foundation.
http://www.adf.org.au/

Self Assessment - If you are concerned about your current alcohol consumption you can take an online assessment.
https://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/screening/loginpage.asp

Getting help

Make an appointment - If you want to speak with a counsellor.

Victorian Government Drug Information - If you wish to get help to stop using drugs or alcohol and you live in Victoria, you can search to find a counselling service in your area.
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/drugs/index.htm

Alcoholics Anonymous - Find out more and locate a meeting near you.
http://www.aa.org.au/

Narcotics Anonymous - Find out more and locate a meeting near you.
http://www.naoz.org.au/community/index.php

Odyssey House - Provides both residential treatment programs and counselling to help you stop your drug use.
http://www.odysseyhouse.org.au/