Substance Abuse Prevention and Education provides information and resources to help students reduce risks related to prescription medications, opioids, stimulants, and other drugs. Harm reduction does not require a person to be ready to stop using a substance; it focuses on reducing immediate risk, recognizing emergencies, and connecting people with support when they want it.
Prescription drug abuse includes:
- Taking more than the written dose
- Combining prescriptions and/or alcohol
- Using someone else’s medication
- Starting or stopping any medication before consulting with your doctor
Combining substances can increase risk in ways that are difficult to predict. In particular, combining opioids with alcohol, benzodiazepines, sleep medications, or other sedating drugs can dangerously slow breathing and increase overdose risk. If you take prescription medication, ask a health professional about interactions.
For current information about specific drugs and their health effects, visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse. If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s substance use, use the screening tools or connect with the Collegiate Recovery Center or Counseling Services.