Alcohol

College brings new experiences — and new choices. Understanding how alcohol and other drugs affect your health, safety, and academic success matters here. We offer resources on risk reduction, responding to emergencies, navigating campus policies, and finding support. Whether it's for yourself or a fellow Aggie, we're here to support you.

Wide shot of a bar shelf filled with various bottles of liquor and spirits, arranged in rows.

Health Risks

Substance Short-Term Risks Long-Term Risks
Alcohol
  • Impaired judgment/coordination; injuries and accidents; blackouts/memory loss; nausea, dehydration; mood changes (aggression, depression); alcohol poisoning
  • Dependence/addiction; liver disease; heart problems; increased cancer risk; weakened immunity; chronic anxiety/depression; cognitive and memory decline
Nicotine
  • Rapid addiction/craving; increased heart rate and blood pressure; shortness of breath; reduced fitness; irritability and anxiety between use
  • Strong dependence; lung disease; heart disease; cancer risk (tobacco); ongoing anxiety/stress cycles; negative effects on attention and brain development
Cannabis
  • Impaired memory, focus, and coordination; slowed reaction time (driving risk); anxiety, panic, or paranoia; altered judgment/perception; nausea or dizziness
  • Cannabis use disorder; memory and learning difficulties; reduced motivation/academic performance; chronic anxiety or depression; risk of psychosis (in vulnerable individuals); respiratory issues (if smoked)

Medical Emergencies

Aggies look out for other Aggies. As a bystander, you have a responsibility to check on those around you and look out for warning signs of an overdose or other emergency.

If some exhibits ANY of these signs, call 911 for medical assistance for a possible overdose.

  • Mental confusion or disorientation
  • Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness
  • Slow or irregular breathing
  • Choking or gurgling sounds
  • Clammy, cold skin
  • Bluish or pale skin, lips, or fingernail beds
  • Seizures
  • Slow, erratic, or stopped pulse
  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Vomiting, especially if they are unconscious

Fentanyl Education

In accordance with Texas state law, all incoming students are required to complete fentanyl education. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that can be deadly, especially when found in counterfeit pills or other unknown substances. If someone may be overdosing, take three steps:

  1. call 911
  2. Give naloxone/Narcan if available
  3. Stay with the person until help arrives

Harm Reduction Strategies

Particularly with alcohol and cannabis, students can reduce their risk of harm by 1) using only in trusted environments with people you know, 2) planning transportation ahead of time (never drive impaired!), and 3) sticking to only one substance at a time (avoid cross-fading).

Alcohol Tips

  • Know and stick to your drink limit
  • Eat a high-protein meal before drinking
  • Drink water between each alcoholic drink
  • Keep your drink in your possession
  • Avoid binge-drinking and drinking games

Cannabis Tips

  • Delay use as long as possible, and limit how often you use
  • Choose lower-THC products
  • Avoid smoking; if you do choose to smoke, avoid inhaling deeply or holding your breath
  • Only use products from regulated sources
  • Take breaks or cut back if you notice memory or focus problems

Know the Law and Consequences

Learn about Student Life’s sanctioned offerings related to alcohol and other drugs:

Learn about common alcohol and other drug penaltiesComplete Sanction Workshop Registration

Alcohol Education Workshop (AEW):

In a group of about 25 students, the workshop facilitator guides the group through topics like standard drink sizes, warning signs, safe transportation, legal consequences, and more.

Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS)

Students meet with a trained facilitator over the course of two sessions. The first session focuses on learning about the student, their alcohol use, and the role alcohol has had in their life. During the second session, the facilitator will discuss personalized feedback to support the student’s success.

Drug Use Consultation

During an individual meeting, the facilitator will encourage the student to explore their relationship with substances, identify pros and cons of their use, and make a plan that supports their overall goals.

Concerned about your substance use or need support?

Student Life staff member speaking with group of students at outdoor campus tabling event.

Aggies Choose

Student Life’s Aggies Choose campaign reminds students that being an Aggie isn’t defined by drinking. It’s defined by the choices we make and the values we live out every day.

Learn more about Aggies Choose