Alcohol
- Use a calculator to estimate, but don't forget that everyone metabolizes alcohol (beer, wine, liquor) differently. Calculators can give you an approximate BAC level, but do not rely upon it to determine if you're fit to drive or work.
- Virtual Bar
- Rethinking Drinking | NIAAA
- College Drinking Prevention
- FIU Alcohol Regulation - 2505
Roofies/Drink Spiking
- FACT: Rohypnol is a depressant sold as an over-the-counter sleep aid in Mexico. Due to its harmful side effects, the drug has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in this country.
- FACT: Rohypnol is 10 times more potent than Valium. It produces a highly inebriated state, during which users will often engage in activities they normally would not. Once the drug wears off, most users have little or no recollection of what transpired while under its influence.
- FACT: Rohypnol, especially when combined with other drugs such as alcohol or marijuana, can throw the body into a highly depressed state. This may lead to a coma, in which the body slows down to the point that vital functions cease and death results. Kurt Cobain’s first coma was due to Rohypnol.
- FACT: Although Rohypnol is readily soluble in liquids, it is now manufactured with an additive that alters them when it is added. Clear liquids turn blue, while darker liquids become cloudy, and a precipitate forms on the surface. Even so, universities across America are still reporting rapes that occurred after the administration of Rohypnol to unsuspecting victims. To avoid this, only consume drinks from sealed containers. Once open, don’t leave a beverage unattended.
- FACT: Surreptitiously administering any drug to a person and then taking advantage of his/her impaired state to engage in sexual conduct, constitutes RAPE under Ohio law.
- FACT: Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) is currently a schedule IV narcotic. Possession of this drug is a third-degree misdemeanor; selling it is a fourth-degree felony.
Cannabis
Effects on Academic Performance
- Memory & Learning: Cannabis, especially THC, affects short-term memory and cognitive function, which can impact learning and retention.
- Motivation & Productivity: Frequent use has been linked to decreased motivation and lower GPA among students.
- Class Attendance: Regular users may be more likely to skip classes, leading to lower academic engagement.
Health & Safety Concerns
- Mental Health: Cannabis use has been associated with increased anxiety, depression, and risk of psychosis, particularly in those predisposed to mental health conditions.
- Dependence & Tolerance: Some students develop dependence, experiencing withdrawal symptoms like irritability and sleep disturbances when not using it.
- Impaired Driving: Cannabis impairs reaction time and coordination, increasing the risk of car accidents.
Legal & Campus Policies
- FIU bans the usage of cannabis on campus, and it is an illegal substance in the state of Florida
- Violating campus policies can result in disciplinary actions, including loss of housing or financial aid
Vaping/E-Cigarettes
Vaping involves inhaling an aerosol produced by an e-cigarette or vape device. These devices heat a liquid (often containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals) to create vapor.
Health Risks of Vaping
Lung Damage – Vaping can cause inflammation and lung issues like popcorn lung (bronchiolitis obliterans).
Heart Risks – Nicotine increases heart rate and blood pressure, raising cardiovascular risks.
Brain Development – Nicotine can impact memory, concentration, and impulse control in young adults.
Addiction & Withdrawal – Many vapes contain high levels of nicotine, making quitting difficult.
Unknown Long-Term Effects – Since vaping is relatively new, long-term health risks are still being studied.
Caffeine
What It Is: A stimulant found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some medications.
Effects: Increased alertness, temporary energy boost, faster heart rate.
Risks: Overuse can cause anxiety, jitters, heart palpitations, and sleep disruption. High doses may lead to caffeine dependence.
Harm Reduction:
- Limit intake to 400 mg/day (about 4 cups of coffee).
- Avoid mixing caffeine with alcohol or other stimulants.
Watch for hidden sources (energy drinks, pre-workout, sodas).
Cocaine
What It Is: A powerful stimulant that increases dopamine levels in the brain. Often snorted but can be injected or smoked.
Effects: Intense euphoria, increased energy, alertness, decreased appetite.
Risks: Addiction, heart problems, paranoia, nose damage (from snorting). Mixing with alcohol creates a dangerous compound called cocaethylene, which increases overdose risk.
Prescription Stimulants
(Adderall, Ritalin, Vyanse)
What They Are: Medications prescribed for ADHD, often misused for focus and studying.
Effects: Increased alertness, concentration, and confidence.
Risks: Insomnia, heart strain, high blood pressure, dependency, serious withdrawal symptoms. Misuse without a prescription is illegal
Sedatives
(Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Ambien)
What They Are: Prescription drugs that slow down the nervous system; used for anxiety or sleep disorders.
Effects: Calmness, drowsiness, reduced anxiety.
Risks: High addiction potential, dangerous withdrawal, memory loss, overdose risk (especially when mixed with alcohol).
Hallucinogens
(LSD, Mushrooms, DMT, Ketamine, MDMA/Ecstasy, PCP)
What They Are: Drugs that alter perception, emotions, and thoughts.
Effects: Visual distortions, altered thinking, increased emotions, time distortion.
Risks: Bad trips, paranoia, risk-taking behavior, potential for hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD).
Narcotics
(Opioids, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Fentanyl, Heroin, Morphine)
What They Are: Painkillers that produce relaxation and euphoria but carry a high risk of overdose and addiction.
Effects: Drowsiness, pain relief, warm sensation, slowed breathing.
Risks: Respiratory depression (can stop breathing), physical dependence, overdose. Fentanyl contamination is a major concern.
