Alcorn Substance Abuse Prevention Program is designed to decrease the problems associated with ATOD (alcohol, tobacco & other drugs) use and abuse at Alcorn State University. It targets collegiate students throughout the campus with both evidence-based and non-evidence-based programming.
The ASAP program uses several strategies as required by the Center of Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) in delivery of Prevention Services.
The program is ultimately designed to deter the onset of problematic behavior, including ATOD use and abuse. ASAPP provides outreach to students (college and adult) through classroom settings, educational/informative programs, including classroom instruction, health fairs, seminars; distribution of literature on ATOD and decision-making skills.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention
Preventing drug abuse and excessive alcohol use improves quality of life, academic performance and workplace productivity; reduces crime and criminal justice expenses; reduces motor vehicle crashes and fatalities; and lowers health care costs for acute and chronic conditions. Excessive alcohol use includes binge drinking (five or more drinks during a single occasion for men, four or more drinks during a single occasion for women), underage drinking, drinking while pregnant, and alcohol impaired driving. Drug abuse includes any inappropriate use of pharmaceuticals (both prescription and over-the-counter drugs) and any use of
illicit drugs. Alcohol and other drug use can impede judgment and lead to harmful risk-taking behavior.[1]
As a student/employee, the impact of drug and alcohol abuse focuses on four major issues:
Additional problem areas can include:
[1] Preventing Drug Abuse and Excessive Alcohol Use
Drug & Alcohol Health Related Risks
Students who engage in risky drinking may experience blackouts (i.e., memory loss during periods of heavy drinking); fatal and nonfatal injuries, including falls, drowning, and automobile crashes; illnesses; missed classes; unprotected sex that could lead to a sexually transmitted disease or an unwanted pregnancy; falling grades and academic failure; an arrest record; accidental death; and death by suicide. In addition, college students who drink to excess may miss opportunities to participate in the social, athletic, and cultural activities that are part of college life. [2]
Employees with alcohol and substance misuse problems require ongoing health support. Not only does it contribute to a loss of productivity, it also causes tremendous costs related to absenteeism, work-related accidents, health care, and a loss of trained personnel. Drug and alcohol abuse causes physical and emotional dependence, which can make users develop cravings. Their bodies may respond in different ways that can cause harm to the individual. Alcohol and drug consumption, even in moderation, can cause changes in the body and behavior. It interferes with the brain’s communication routes, and can affect the way the brain works. These disruptions can alter mood and behavior, and make it difficult to think clearly and move with coordination. Drug and alcohol abuse, over a long time or in excess on a single occasion, can cause problems including:
[2] High-Risk Drinking in College: What We Know and What We Need To Learn www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov