Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse: Prevention & Education

Alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) are a significant problem in our society and across college campuses. The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is no exception.

Substance abuse can lead to a number of problems for college students. Potential consequences of high-risk use include lower academic performance, legal and financial difficulties, injury to self or others, sexual assault, and increased personal stress.

Alcohol and other drug problems are complex. There are no simple and easy solutions. Numerous aspects of the problems must be addressed:

• Recreational activities
• Education
• Policies
• Enforcement
• Changes in the way alcohol is served and advertised.

Comprehensive prevention involves everyone: faculty members, parents, work-study supervisors, resident assistants, counselors, community members, and the college students themselves.

For Students

You have lots of choices. You must choose a major, which clubs to join, where to live, and how to spend your free time. One of the most important choices you can make is about the role alcohol and other drugs will play in your life in college.

Here are some well-kept secrets about college students:

• Most college students make low-risk choices.
• Most college students balance their time between activities such as studying, volunteering, working, leading campus activities and socializing with friends.
• These students are not usually featured in the movies or news stories of the day, but they are the majority of college students.

While most college students make reasonably safe and healthy choices about substance use, some people around you may make risky choices. They use alcohol and other drugs in ways that interfere with their academic performance, lead to legal hassles, jeopardize their safety, and create disruptions for others.

There is no magic wand to ensure that you avoid harmful use of alcohol or other drugs. Real life involves choices and consequences. You should know the facts as you make choices about substance use.

UW-Platteville Alcohol and Drug Policy

Important: If you are under 21, it is illegal to drink alcohol.