The misuse of alcohol is often involved in violent behavior, acquaintance rape, unintended pregnancies, and exposure to sexually transmitted diseases. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, about three million violent crimes occur each year in which victims perceive the offender to have been drinking at the time of the offense. Long-term excessive drinking and drug use can lead to a wide variety of health problems in various organ systems. 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 in the form of withdrawal symptoms. 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. Peer Health Educators conduct workshops in the residence halls and Greek area on alcohol and other drug facts, risks associated with binge drinking, signs of problem use, intervention skills, and campus resources. They also design and implement campus outreach campaigns at the Campus Center about designated drivers, underage drinking laws, blood alcohol levels, and risks of substance use.