Drug Education
UND is committed to an environment that supports the academic success and health of our students and staff, providing education, activities and services designed to encourage a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.
It is important to KNOW the risks, KNOW the resources, and KNOW the policies regarding vaping, marijuana, and prescription drugs.
Vaping/Tobacco
KNOW the risks
We all know that cigarettes are dangerous. "Isn’t vaping less harmful?" Less harmful does not equal harmless. It isn’t just “water vapor” being inhaled.
What is in an e-cigarette aerosol?
According to the CDC, e-cigarette aerosol contains harmful and potentially harmful substances including:
- Nicotine
- Cancer-causing chemicals
- Volatile organic compounds
- Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead
- Ultrafine particles
- Flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease
What are the risks?
- Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm brain development, which continues until about age 25.
- Nicotine use can damage your blood vessels.
- One Juul pod contains the amount of nicotine in 20 cigarettes.
- If you vape, you are four times more likely to start smoking cigarettes.
Research on the risks of vaping is emerging daily. Since vaping is a relatively recent trend, we don’t fully know the long term effects of its use. Do you want to be a part of this human experiment?
KNOW the resources
Tobacco and Vaping Cessation for Students
- ND Quits: Online and phone based support including free counseling, advice, support, and free nicotine replacement products for all who qualify.
- UND Student Health Services for in-person assistance with the physical dependence of nicotine cessation.
- UND Counseling Center for in-person assistance with the psychological dependence of nicotine cessation.
Research on E-Cigarettes/Vaping
- Truth Campaign | Vaping
- Know the Risks: E-Cigarettes and Young People | Surgeon General
- About E-Cigarettes | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
KNOW the policy
UND is a tobacco free campus; however, tobacco use is allowed on city sidewalks and streets.
The Tobacco Free Policy covers all forms of tobacco including all forms of electronic
smoking devices.
Tobacco Free = Vape Free.
Compliance with the UND Tobacco Free Policy is the shared responsibility and the right of all UND staff, students, and faculty members. The success of this policy will depend upon the courtesy, respect, and cooperation of users and non-users of tobacco products.
To report a policy violation, please contact the Department of Public Safety at UND.safety@UND.edu or make an anonymous report to University Police.
Marijuana
There is a lot of information out there about marijuana. Some people use it as medicine. What should you believe?
KNOW the risks
Besides the legal risk in North Dakota, it is important for students to consider the following risk areas.
Risk to Academics
Marijuana use is known to have both direct and indirect effects on students' academic performance including the following:
- Compromised ability to retain information.
- Memory impairment.
- Processing speed.
- Impaired decision making and planning ability.
- Decreased motivation to complete tasks.
- Higher likelihood of skipping class.
- Marijuana users have lower GPA on average than non-marijuana users.
Sources:
- Marijuana Use Trajectories and Academic Outcomes Among College Students. Suerken, et. al. (2016)
- The Academic Consequences of Marijuana Use During College. Arria, et. al. (2014)
Risk to Safety
We all know that it is unsafe to drive after drinking. But what about driving after using marijuana? It turns out, it's just as unsafe. How could that be if I can still walk and talk just fine?
Marijuana use impairs a number of skills essential to driving including reaction time, decision making, perception, and coordination. A person with a blood THC content of 5 ng/ml is 6.6 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash. This is comparable to a blood alcohol concentration of .15 (almost twice the legal limit).
Source: Cannabis Effects on Driving. Hartman & Huestis (2013)
KNOW the resources
Campus Support for Students
- UND Counseling Center for personalized assessment and support for the psychosocial aspects of prescription drug usage.
- UND Student Health Services may be of assistance for medical assistance with the physical health aspects of marijuana usage.
KNOW the policy
UND has a no tolerance policy for drug use, including medical marijuana. Students who violate the UND Code of Student Life or the UND Alcohol and Drugs Policy will be subject to the student conduct process. This could include eviction, parental notification, and loss of financial aid, even on a first offense.
Prescription Drugs
KNOW the risks
Prescription drug abuse can come in many forms and with many types of substances. It can be as simple as a person with a prescription taking more than prescribed. It can be taking someone else’s prescription or buying it through underground channels. Whatever the situation, prescription drug misuse is dangerous.
1. The risk of addiction is high.
No one enters this world with the desire to be addicted to drugs. Yet it happens to many people. Ask anyone that has struggled with addiction and they will give you one piece of advice: “Don’t start.” Why? Because they know how easy it is to go from experimenting to getting sucked in.
2. The risk of overdose is deadly.
A simple mistake in dosing or a miscommunication of product can be life-threatening. Know the signs of overdose and call 911 immediately if suspected.
C – Cold, Clammy, or Bluish Skin
A – Asleep or Passed Out
N – Non-Responsive
S – Slow or Irregular Breathing
3. The risks to physical health are endless.
4. The risks to mental health are depressing.
Use Lock. Monitor. Take Back. to reduce risks for yourself and those around you.
- Lock: Keep all medications in a secure place.
- Monitor: Use medications as prescribed. Never share your medications.
- Take Back: Find a local prescription drop off location to take back your unused medications.
KNOW the resources
Campus Support for Students
- UND Student Health Services for medical assistance with the physical health aspects of prescription drug usage.
- UND Counseling Center for personalized assessment and support for the psychosocial aspects of prescription drug usage.
Helping a Friend or Loved One
Being prepared with a Naloxone prescription can be lifesaving in the event of an overdose. Who can get a Naloxone prescription? You. Learn more about getting a Naloxone prescription from the North Dakota Prevention Resource and Media Center.
North Dakota Prevention Resource & Media Center
KNOW the policy
UND has a no tolerance policy for drug use. Students who violate the UND Code of Student Life or the UND Alcohol and Drugs Policy will be subject to the student conduct process. This could include eviction, parental notification, and loss of financial aid, even on a first offense. Involvement with prescription drugs outside of their prescribed use is felony activity.
North Dakota’s Good Samaritan Law (Medical Amnesty Act) will protect you if you call 911, follow instructions of the dispatcher, and wait for first responders to arrive.
Learn More
Request a presentation from the Peer Educators at Wellness & Health Promotion for more information on alcohol and other drugs.