Alcohol and other drug use, also referred to as AODA, is a consistently detrimental occurrence among college students in Wisconsin. The University of Wisconsin System reports that 90% of college students consume alcohol; and 10% engage in daily binge drinking.

A student’s exposure to AODA can be linked to various factors. Factors such as adverse childhood experiences, experiences that cause trauma and vulnerability in an individual, can promote drug abuse. Examples include: living with an alcoholic parent throughout childhood, living in a low income neighborhood, previous suffering with physical, emotional, or psychological abuse from a family member.

The beginning of one’s college career can be an intimidating occasion. Not only are students living independently in a new environment for the first time, but they are also surrounded by strangers. Especially within the first year, there’s a stigma that students must engage in parties and get togethers in order to form friendships and feel a sense of belonging. Because of the desire for inclusion, students are more likely to succumb to peer pressure in order to ‘fit in’. 

It’s important for students to be aware of the consequences that drug abuse can place upon them. There’s a strong correlation between the association between low grades and high drug consumption. Students who frequently engage with alcohol, marijuana, Adderall, vapes and other psychedelic drugs are more likely to have: a reduced quality of sleep, an increase in anxiety and/or depression, and a negative impact in learning comprehension. Not only this, but students expose themselves to strained interpersonal relationships, future comorbidities (like liver damage, heart disease, and cancer), undiagnosed addiction, and possible unemployment.

An increase in AODA can also lead to a decrease in campus safety – physical aggression and criminal activity. Students who are under the influence, and severely impaired, are vulnerable to sexual assault and other physical harm. Although UWW requires all students to complete a mandatory sexual assault training at the beginning of each year, sexual misconduct continues to frequently occur around our campus. With a reminder that a lot of these cases are not reported, it is important to be aware of the risks. Although not all occurrences can be attributed to AODA, emphasizing the commonality of sexual assault alongside alcohol consumption would make larger impact. 

Mandatory educational training for all UW-Whitewater students would not only increase awareness of potential influences and consequences, but would also allow for student resources to become easily accessible. I strongly encourage our students to identify the reasons behind their interests in drug use, to contemplate the consequences, and to seek help if needed. I ask all of you to reflect on your own experiences, share education with peers, and engage in the following resources provided below. 

UW-Whitewater University Health & Counseling Services: https://www.uww.edu/uhcs/counseling-services

 SAMHSA’s National Helpline: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline