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Substance Information

Whether it’s alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, prescription medications, or other substances, it’s important to know how they affect your body, brain, and decision-making. Using multiple substances—sometimes called “polydrug use” or “crossfading”—can significantly increase risks, especially when the effects interact in unpredictable ways. Make informed choices that support your health and safety.

Alcohol

What It Is: A depressant commonly found in beer, wine, and spirits that slows down the central nervous system. 
Effects: Lowered inhibitions, relaxation, impaired judgment, slower reaction time. 
Risks: Excessive use can lead to hangovers, risky behaviors, alcohol poisoning, and long-term liver or brain damage. Mixing with other substances increases danger. 
Harm Reduction:

  • Follow the standard: 1 drink/hour, max 3 (women) or 4 (men) in a day
  • Eat before and while drinking to slow absorption
  • Stay hydrated — alternate with water
  • Don’t mix with medications, stimulants, or depressants (like opioids or benzos)
  • Standard drink sizes (including seltzers)
  • BAC estimator calculator
  • 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 (interactive tool)
  • Links: Rethinking Drinking (NIAAA)
  • CollegeDrinking.gov

Roofies/Drink Spiking

What It Is: A powerful prescription sedative (benzodiazepine) not legally available in the U.S. Often associated with drug-facilitated sexual assault. 
Effects: Drowsiness, confusion, impaired motor skills, memory loss. 
Risks: Can cause unconsciousness and amnesia. Especially dangerous when mixed with alcohol. High risk of overdose and assault. 
Harm Reduction: 

  • Never accept open drinks from strangers or leave your drink unattended
  • Use drink covers or test strips at parties/bars
  • Look out for friends — have a buddy system
  • Seek help if you suspect you or someone else has been drugged
  • Key safety facts (reformatted into a shareable graphic)
  • Prevention tips: secure beverages, stay in groups
  • Legal implications and overdose risk
  • Facts about 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

What It Is: A psychoactive substance derived from the cannabis plant, commonly smoked, vaped, or consumed as edibles. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main active ingredient responsible for its effects. 

Effects: Euphoria altered perception of time and senses, increased appetite, and feelings of relaxation. 

Risks: Cannabis use can impair memory, concentration, and coordination. High doses or frequent use may cause anxiety, paranoia, or lead to cannabis use disorder. It may also affect academic performance and motivation. 

Harm Reduction (FIU & Florida-specific): 

  • Start low, go slow — especially with edibles, which take longer to feel and are easier to overconsume
  • Do not drive under the influence of cannabis — this is illegal and considered impaired driving under Florida law
  • Use in a safe, private setting if you are of legal age and have a medical marijuana card. Recreational use is still illegal in Florida
  • FIU is a drug-free campus — marijuana is prohibited on all university property, regardless of medical status. Possession or use can result in conduct violations or legal consequences
  • Avoid mixing with alcohol or other substances, which can intensify side effects and increase risk
  • 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 accident
  • 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/Nicotine/Tobacco

What It Is: Nicotine is a highly addictive stimulant found in tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco) and most vapes or e-cigarettes. Vaping devices heat a liquid (often with nicotine) into an aerosol that’s inhaled. 

Effects: Short-term buzz or calming sensation, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. Some users experience focus or mood enhancement. 

Risks: 

  • Nicotine is addictive, and dependence can develop quickly
  • Vaping may expose users to harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and lung irritants
  • Increases risk of respiratory issues, heart problems, and anxiety
  • Youth and young adults are especially vulnerable to long-term impacts on brain development

Harm Reduction (FIU & Florida-specific): 

  • FIU is a smoke-free and tobacco-free campus — this includes vapes and all nicotine/tobacco products. Use is prohibited on all university property
  • Be mindful of how much and how often you vape — many devices contain more nicotine than a pack of cigarettes
  • Know what’s in your vape — not all ingredients are disclosed, and some may be harmful or mislabeled
  • If you're looking to quit or cut back, FIU offers cessation support and nicotine replacement resources
  • Avoid sharing vapes — sharing can spread germs and increase risk of illness

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. 

Nicotine Addiction: How Vaping Hooks you 

  • One vape pod = Nicotine in 20+ cigarettes. Nicotine rewires the brain, making quitting harder
  • Withdrawal symptoms: Irritability, cravings, anxiety, headaches, trouble focusing

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
  • Myths vs. Facts
    • Myth: “Vaping is just water vapor” 
    • Fact: Vapes contain harmful chemicals, metals, and toxins that can damage the lungs
    • Myth: “Vaping helps you quit smoking” 
    • Fact: Many people end up using both vapes and cigarettes, increasing their nicotine intake
    • Myth: “Nicotine-free vapes are safe”
    • Fact: Even nicotine-free vapes may contain harmful chemicals and unknown additive
  • Thinking about quitting? We can help!

    Quitting nicotine can be tough, but there are resources and support available

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.

Inhalants

(Whippets, Gasoline, Paint Thinners, Glue, Nitrous Oxide, Amyl Nitrate/"Poppers")

What They Are: Household chemicals inhaled for a short-lasting high.

Effects: Dizziness, laughter, giddiness, loss of coordination.

Risks: Brain damage, sudden sniffing death (SSD), suffocation, nerve damage.