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 pregnancy, and exposure to sexually-transmitted diseases. Long-term excessive drinking and drug use can lead to a variety of health problems. 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 evidenced by withdrawal symptoms. A user is psychologically-dependent when the drug is central to his or her life. Alcohol abuse is linked to cancer, heart and liver damage. The College encourages students and employees who use illegal drugs or who abuse alcohol to seek appropriate assistance. The College provides alcohol and drug abuse information, education, and counseling or referral services to help meet individual needs and to assist in times of crisis.