Nearly half of all accidental deaths, suicides and homicides are alcohol related. The misuse of alcohol is often involved in violent behavior, acquaintance rape, unintended pregnancies, and the exposure to sexually transmitted diseases. Long-term excessive drinking and drug use can lead to a wide variety of health problems in many different organ systems. The use of drugs and alcohol can cause physical and psychological dependence. They can interfere with memory, sensation and perception.
Drugs impair the brain's ability to synthesize information.
Regular users of drugs develop tolerance and physical dependence often experienced by withdrawal symptoms. The psychological dependence occurs when the drug taking becomes central to the user's life. All contacts are confidential and conscientious efforts to seek help will not jeopardize any employee's job. Students with substance abuse problems are encouraged to use the full range of educational and treatment services provided by the University Health Services. Detoxification is available in the inpatient unit on a limited basis.