Substance Use Awareness
Substance use happens in a college community but there are proactive choices students can make to ensure their own personal safety.
Substance use can impact academic performance and result in legal repercussions. UND provides on-campus resources to both educate students on substances and offer support to those struggling with a substance use disorder. The ASAP Campaign is dedicated to promoting healthy behaviors regarding substance use & providing education on the risks involved with substance use.
Substance Use at UND
of UND students have never used Tobacco or nicotine delivery products
UND students have not had an alcoholic beverage in the last 3 months
of UND students report drinking 4 or fewer drinks when in a social situation
of UND students reported they abstain from alcohol in the 2024-2025 school year
What are Substances?
Materials that can be consumed, inhaled, injected, or otherwise absorbed into the body. Some substances can lead to dependence and other negative effects.
Why Do College Students Turn to Substances?
- To cope with social anxiety or stress
- Respond to peer pressure
- Dealing with boredom
- Have fun with friends
- To form connections
Healthier Ways to Cope & Connect
- Join a student group
- Attend a campus event
- Try talk therapy
- Use coping strategies (art, music, exercise, reading, writing, meditation, etc.)
- Set healthy boundaries
- Build friendships with like-minded peers
- Explore a new hobby
- Volunteer your time
Risks of Substance Use
- Depression
- Addiction
- Lower academic performance
- Health issues (cancer, sleep problems, heart disease)
- Weight gain or loss
- Physical injury
Binge drinking is heavy alcohol consumption over a short period of time (typically 2 hours).
- 4+ drink for females
- 5+ drinks for males
Risks
- Impaired judgment & decision-making
- Increased risk of assault or sexual violence
- Accidents and injuries
- Alcohol poisoning
Addiction & Dependence
- Regular heavy drinking can lead to alcohol use disorder
- Tolerance builds over time, requiring more alcohol for the same effect
- Withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety, irritability, and sleep problems
How to Protect Yourself
- Set drink limits and pace yourself
- Eat before and during drinking
- Avoid unsafe environments
- Look out for friends and step in when needed
- Seek campus resources if you need support
Resources
Tobacco and vaping products deliver nicotine and other harmful chemicals through smoking or inhaling aerosol from devices like e-cigarettes & vapes.
E-Cigarette Aerosol Contains
- Nicotine
- Cancer-causing chemicals
- Volatile organic compounds
- Heavy metals (nickel, tin, lead)
- Ultrafine particles
- Flavorings like diacetyl (linked to serious lung diseases)
Risks
- Affects every organ in the body
- Can cause cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, Type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis
- Weakens immune and reproductive systems
- Raises blood pressure and adrenaline that increases heart attack risk
- Highly addictive
Secondhand Smoke
- In 2024, CDC reported over 400,000 deaths in nonsmoking adults from secondhand smoke exposure.
Addiction & Dependence
- Nicotine is highly addictive, causing cravings and increasing long-term health risks
How to Protect Yourself
- Avoid smoking and vaping entirely
- Stay away from secondhand smoke
- Use nicotine cessation programs or campus health resources
Resources
Cannabis (marijuana) is illegal in North Dakota unless prescribed for medical use by a physician.
UND has a no tolerance policy for drug use, including medical marijuana.
Risks
- Permanent IQ degradation
- Mental health impacts (depression, anxiety, psychotic episodes)
- Memory impairment and decreased academic performance
- Slowed reaction time and poor coordination
- Decreased athletic performance
- Sleep disruption and possible sleep disorders
- Potential for aggressive or violent behavior
- Harmful smoke inhalation (similar to tobacco)
Addiction & Dependence
- Can lead to Cannabis Use Disorder
- Tolerance increases over time, leading to heavier use
- Withdrawal symptoms may include irritability, restlessness, loss of sleep or appetite, and low motivation
Secondhand & Environmental Risks
- Smoke contains harmful chemicals and carbon monoxide
- Impairs alertness and concentration, increasing accident risk when driving or using machinery
How to Protect Yourself
- Avoid cannabis use unless legally prescribed
- Understand the mental and physical risks before using
- Seek help for cravings, withdrawal symptoms, or trouble cutting back
- Use campus or community support services
Resources
Opioids are drugs that alter the brain, produce euphoria, and relieve pain. Some are prescribed by physicians, such as:
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Fentanyl (synthetic)
- Hydromorphone
- Heroin is an illegal opioid.
Opioids are highly addictive and may be mixed with other illicit drugs, increasing overdose risk.
Risks
- High potential for addiction
- Increased tolerance over time, leading to higher doses
- Overdose risk from taking more than the body can process
- Slowed breathing and heart rate
- Death from respiratory failure
What is an Overdose?
An overdose occur when an individual takes more of a substance than the body can process. The substance will overpower the brain and other organs leading to slowing or stopping breathing and heart rate.
Overdose Reversal
- Naloxone (Narcan) can reverse opioid overdose by restoring breathing and consciousness
- Available as an injection or nasal spray
How to Protect Yourself
- Only use opioids as prescribed by a licensed medical professional
- Never mix opioids with alcohol or other drugs
- Learn the signs of overdose (slow breathing, blue lips/fingertips, unresponsiveness)
- Know where to access Naloxone and how to use it
- Call 911 immediately in suspected overdose situations
Resources
- Naloxone OneBoxes are located around campus, including in Housing Residences, Sororities, and Fraternities
- University Counseling Center
- Opioid Overdose Basics
- 5 Things to Know About Naloxone
These tips and resources are not intended to substitute help from a substance use counselor. For personal assistance, please contact the University Counseling Center to schedule an appointment.