Resources and Education on Alcohol Usage
The Wellness Center is a judgment-free zone that offers resources for students who would like to explore their relationships with substance usage, learn about harm-reduction approaches to substance usage, or receive support in their recovery from substance abuse.
Alcohol is classified as a central nervous system depressant, meaning that it slows down brain functioning and neural activity. By slowing down the central nervous system, alcohol can cause slurred speech, unsteady movement, disturbed perceptions, and slow reaction times. Alcohol impairs rational thinking, lessens inhibitions, and distorts judgement. Drinking too much alcohol can result in respiratory failure, coma, and death.
(https://www.addictioncenter.com/alcohol/is-alcohol-a-depressant/)
Interactions Between Alcohol and Other Drugs
Alcohol + Sedatives
- Sedatives
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Rohyponol)
- Sleeping pills
- Opioids (heroin, morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl)
- GHB
- Like alcohol, sedatives are also central nervous system depressants. When two depressants are combined together, sedative effects are greatly enhanced. Your central nervous system will begin to slow down, and involuntary functions, such as breathing, are impaired. Loss of consciousness, overdose, and death are an imminent risk.
Alcohol + Stimulants
- Stimulants
- Cocaine, Crack cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Amphetamine (Adderall, Vyvanse)
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
- Nicotine
- Caffeine
- Stimulants excite the central nervous system by releasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. Common effects include increased energy, alertness, focus, suppressed appetite, and senses of euphoria. Physiological effects include dilated pupils, sweating, increased heart rate and elevated temperature. Mixing stimulants with alcohol can cause cardiovascular complications, as well as an underestimation of alcohol’s intoxicating effects which can lead to alcohol overdose, coma, and death.
Alcohol + Hallucinogens
- Hallucinogens
- LSD
- Psilocybin (mushrooms)
- MDMA (Ecstasy)
- PCP
- Hallucinogens distort perception, thoughts and feelings. Mixing hallucinogens with alcohol can cause dangerously high body temperatures and disturbances in heart rhythms, as well as an underestimation of alcohol’s intoxicating effects which can lead to alcohol overdose, coma, and death.
Alcohol + Cannabis
THC can mimic stimulant, depressant, and hallucinogenic properties. Mixing cannabis with alcohol is unpredictable. Effects include impaired motor control and cognitive abilities, as well as increased anxiety, panic and paranoia. Because cannabis suppresses the gag reflex, you may not be able to throw up alcohol when your body needs to.
Who can I talk to on campus about my drinking or drug usage?
- Request a private Wellness Coaching session with the Assistant Director for Substance Use and Recovery programs, Jason Muñoz
- Schedule a phone consultation with CAPS (408) 554-4501
- For 24/7 after-hours support, call (408) 554-5220
Wellness Coaching
Schedule a Wellness Coaching session with the Assistant Director for Substance Use and Recovery Programs, Jason Muñoz. Wellness Coaching sessions are private, judgment-free, and supportive conversations where students can speak candidly about their substance usage and other related challenges. Sessions can be a space for students to share their experiences, a space for students to learn strategies for harm reduction, or a place for students seeking recovery to receive support. If students are interested in additional support, follow-ups can include additional meetings or connection with internal or external resources.
Additional Resources: