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    Overview of Substance Abuse (Drugs)

    Students give many different reasons why they may use drugs, including liking the sensations obtained, peer pressure and to be apart of a group. Sometimes drugs are used to avoid difficult situations that may arise at school, work, family and friends. Others use drugs to avoid uncomfortable feelings, like anxiety or sadness. A serious problem can develop quickly, especially among college students.

    Here are some common drug-related problems that students may experience:

    • Diminished academic performance
    • Conflict in intimate relationships
    • Depression
    • Sleeping problems
    • Unwanted sex, sexual coercion, or sexual difficulties
    • Indifference to appearance and behavior
    • Legal or judicial entanglements
    • Health issues, such as chronic colds or infections
    • Alienation of friends or family members
    • Financial concerns
    • Loss of interest in former hobbies or pastimes
    • Lack of pleasure from normal, positive things in life
     

    What Can Be Done

    Be Educated About the Effects of Drugs

    Depending on the frequency and type of use, drugs can have severe and long-lasting effects on the body. Some drugs will cause damage after just one use, while others will hurt the body and mind more slowly. Here are some examples of possible effects different drugs can have:

    • Nicotine: diminished sense of smell and taste, smoker's cough, emphysema, heart disease, stroke, cancer, frequent colds, and chronic bronchitis.
    • Cocaine and Crack: heart attacks, strokes, respiratory failure, seizures, and reduction of the body's ability to resist infection.
    • Steroids: liver tumors, high blood pressure, hair loss, severe acne, testicular shrinking, stunted growth, and an irregular menstrual cycle.
    • Marijuana: sleeplessness, reduced concentration, paranoia, hallucinations, intense anxiety, cancer, and increased risk of infertility.
    • Inhalants: severe mood swings, suffocation, loss of sense of smell, nosebleeds, liver, lung and kidney impairment, and brain damage.
    • Caffeine: sleeplessness, reduced concentration, intense anxiety, and restlessness.
     

    How We Can Help

    SHCS provides acute care, drop-in services, brief individual therapy, group therapy, and referrals for on-going therapy.  

    You can schedule an intake with a counselor at North Hall by calling (530) 752-2349. Acute Care drop-in services are available on the first floor of the Student Health and Wellness Center.

     

    Resources

    • SHCS Counseling Services
    • Alcohol Poisoning: How to Help a Drunk Friend
    • College Drinking Prevention
    • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

    Dedicated to a Healthy Student Body

    The mission of Student Health and Counseling Services is to enhance the physical and mental health of students in order to help them achieve academic success, personal development and lifelong wellness by providing an integrated program of quality, accessible, cost sensitive and confidential healthcare services, tailored to their unique and diverse needs and to assist the University community, through consultation and education, to develop a healthy campus environment consistent with UC Davis "Principles of Community".

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    Copyright © The Regents of the University of California, Davis campus. All rights reserved.
    Appointment Desk: 530-752-2349
    Advice Nurse: 530-752-2349
    General Information: 530-752-2300
    Locations: Student Health and Wellness Center | North Hall
    Mailing: University of California, Davis One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616