Alcohol and Other Drugs
Wellness Information
Need Help with Alcohol or Drug Concerns?
You're not alone—and support is just a call away. The AODA (Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse) Counselor at University Health & Counseling Services (UHCS) is here for you. Whether you're concerned about your own use or someone else's, you can schedule a free and confidential appointment by calling 262-472-1305.
Understanding Alcohol Use
How Much Is Too Much?
If you've ever woken up wondering if you drank too much, signs like slurred speech, memory gaps, vomiting, or blacking out are clear indicators. These effects are tied to your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)—the higher your BAC, the more serious the risks.
What BAC Levels Mean for Your Body
| BAC Level | What you Might Feel |
|---|---|
| 0.02-0.04% | Relaxation, body warmth, lowered inhibitions |
| 0.06-0.08% | Slower reactions, poor coordination |
| 0.10% | Slurred speech, loss of control |
| 0.12-0.15% | Vomiting, staggering, emotional swings |
| 0.20-0.30% | Black outs, trouble standing, choking risk |
| 0.40% | Most people pass out - Can be Fatal |
| 0.45% | Breathing may stop…Death is Likely! |
| EVERYONE REACTS DIFFERENTLY TO ALCOHOL- USE CAUTION! | |
Alcohol Poisoning - Know the Signs
Alcohol can slow or stop vital functions like breathing and the gag reflex. If someone shows these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
- Slow or irregular breathing (fewer than 8 breaths/minute)
- Vomiting while unconscious
- Seizures
- Pale or bluish skin
- Cannot be awakened
- Low body temperature
- Confusion or stupor
What is a “Standard Drink”?
Common Misconceptions
Think everyone at UW-Whitewater drinks heavily? Think again.
- 23.6% of UWW don't drink at all
- 71.1% had 4 or fewer drinks the last time they partied
- Students often overestimate how much their peers drink
Marijuana: What you should know
Marijuana (weed, pot, grass) is the most commonly used illegal drug among college students. It comes from the Cannabis plant and contains THC, the chemical that causes its effects.
Short-term health effects
- Distorted perception
- Poor coordination
- Trouble thinking clearly
- Memory and learning issues
- Increased heart rate (20-100%)
Long-term health effects
- Addiction and withdrawal symptoms (irritability, anxiety, sleep issues).
- Difficulty functioning in school, work, or relationships.
Opioids, Narcotics & Fentanyl: A Growing Risk
Opioids are powerful pain-relieving drugs that include prescription medications like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine—as well as illegal drugs like heroin. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is especially dangerous and is often mixed into other drugs without the user knowing.
Why It’s Dangerous
- Fentanyl is 50–100 times stronger than morphine
- Just a tiny amount can cause overdose or death
- It’s often found in counterfeit pills or mixed with other substances
Signs of Opioid Overdose
- Slow or no breathing
- Blue lips or fingertips
- Unconsciousness or inability to wake up
- Gurgling or choking sounds
🚨 If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately. Naloxone (Narcan) can reverse opioid overdoses and is available without a prescription in many areas.
Resources
Disclaimer
All information on this website is written by UHCS professional staff unless otherwise noted. No data is collected on visitors to this site. Financial Support for this web site is provided by University Health & Counseling Service, Division of Student Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. This web site does not accept advertising.
This site is not meant to replace the advice of a health care or counseling professional. You should not rely on any information on these pages, or information generated for you by this site, to replace consultations with qualified professionals regarding your own specific situation. Some links take you to a source outside of UHCS. The owners of that site, not UHCS, are responsible for the content.
