Page 101 - Keys to College Success

WHAT CHOICES WILL YOU MAKE
about substance use?

Abusing alcohol, tobacco, and drugs adds significantly to stress levels and can
cause financial struggles, emotional traumas, family and financial upheaval, health
problems, and even death. As you read the information in this section, think about
the effects of your actions on yourself and others. Measure the risk of substance use
against the social risk of going against what others are doing, and decide which
reward is more valuable to you. Continually look for ways to make positive, life-
affirming choices.
The frontal lobe of your brain is responsible for impulse control. It’s the part that
asks, “Is this really a good idea? What will happen if I take this action?” However, the
frontal lobe does not reach full development until around the age of 25. This means
that people under 25 are more likely to perform an action, such as taking drugs, with-
out considering potential consequences. Worse, those drugs are more likely to impair
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brain development and result in addiction in a younger person than in an older one.
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Consider the information in this section.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a depressant and the most frequently abused drug on campus. Even a few
drinks affect thinking and muscle coordination. Heavy drinking can damage the liver,
ADDICTION
The compulsive use of and digestive system, and brain cells, as well as impair the central nervous system. Pro-
need for a habit-forming
longed use also leads to physical and emotional addiction, making it seem impossible
substance.
to quit. In fact, alcohol contributes to the deaths of 75,000 people every year through
both alcohol-related illnesses and accidents involving drunk drivers. 23
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), your tolerance and reaction
to alcohol depends on a variety of factors including, but not limited to: age, gender,
race or ethnicity, physical condition, the amount of food consumed before drinking,
how quickly alcohol was consumed, use of drugs or prescription medications, and
family history. Key 3.4 shows the varying levels of drinking behaviors defined by
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the CDC.
Of all alcohol consumption, binge drinking (see Key 3.4) is associated with the
greatest problems, and is consistently an issue on college campuses, with over 42% of
full-time students and over 35% of part-time students reporting a binge drinking epi-
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sode in the month prior to the survey. Students who binge drink are more likely to

talk risk and reward . . .

Risk asking tough questions to be rewarded with new insights. Use the following ques-
tions to inspire discussion with classmates, either in person or online.
■ When a friend has a substance problem or abusive tendencies, trying to help can
be risky. How can you reach out without insulting the person? What reward do you
think is possible?
■ Consider how to approach health issues with your friends. What is worth the risk
to discuss, and what should be off limits? Keeping a reward in mind, come up with
effective ways to broach topics such as eating patterns, sleep patterns, and moods.
CONSIDER THE CASE: Think about how the cookie-eating contest motivated Marlene
to take risky, and rewarding, action. What in your life was a “last straw” that compelled
you to take a risk? Describe the situation, what it led you to do, and the reward that
resulted.

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