Improper use of drugs or alcohol can seriously injure the health of students and employees, impair the performance of their responsibilities, and endanger the safety of our community.

All drugs, whether legal (alcohol, tobacco, CBD) or illegal (opioids, stimulants, hallucinogens), influence the functioning of essential organs. Consistent use will escalate negative effects on both body and mind.

The National Institute 
on Drug Abuse

Provides a comprehensive description of the health consequences of drug misuse.

Please see:

The National Institute on
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Provides a comprehensive description of the effects alcohol has on the body.

Please see:

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body -> [The page you are trying to reach has either moved or cannot be found on the NIAAA website. You may be able to find the information you need by using the search form above or visiting the Site Map If you cannot find what you are looking for, please contact us. ]

Brain Function

  • Cognitive Impairment: Difficulty thinking, learning, and making decisions.
  • Mental Health: Can cause or worsen depression, anxiety, and paranoia.
  • Psychosis: Loss of reality and severe emotional impairment.
  • Sleep & Mood: Insomnia, disordered eating, and difficulty regulating mood.

Cardiovascular Health

  • Emergency Risks: Heart attack, stroke, and chest pain (highest with stimulants like cocaine).
  • Blood Pressure: Dangerous elevations or drops leading to fainting/cardiac arrest.
  • Long-term: Hypertension, irregular heart rhythm, and atherosclerosis.

Vital Signs

  • Instability: drastic changes in heart rate and respiratory rate.
  • Physical Distress: Shortness of breath, palpitations, and sweating.
  • Temperature: Dangerous elevation or decrease in body temperature.

Severe Consequences

  • Disease Risk: Increased risk of cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and chronic organ disease.
  • Mortality: Risk of overdose, cardiac arrest, and suffocation.
  • Accidents: Injury or death due to impaired driving or physical accidents.

Scientific Resources

NIDA: Drug Topics & Charts ↗ 

NIAAA: Alcohol's Effects ↗