People use alcohol and drugs for lots of different reasons. You might use them socially, to relax, to cope with something difficult, or you might be worried that your use is starting to affect other parts of your life. Whatever your situation, you can ask for support. This page isn't here to judge your choices. It's here to help you understand some of the risks, make informed decisions and know where to go if you or someone else needs help.

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What does harm reduction mean?

Harm reduction is about reducing the potential risks associated with alcohol and drug use.

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It recognises that simply telling people not to use substances doesn't always prevent them from doing so. Instead, it focuses on giving people information that can help them look after themselves and others.

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The University has a Student Drug and Alcohol Policy which includes a harm-reduction approach alongside its responsibilities around illegal drugs and student behaviour. You can read the University's current Student Drug and Alcohol Policy for more information.

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How can I reduce the risks?

There is no completely risk-free way to take drugs, and you can't always know the strength or contents of an illicit substance.

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If you choose to use alcohol or drugs, there are things you can do to reduce some of the risks:

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• avoid mixing different drugs or mixing drugs with alcohol, as the effects can be unpredictable

• avoid taking more because you don't feel the effects straight away

• stay with people you trust and look out for each other

• tell someone you're with what you've taken

• don't feel afraid to tell medical professionals what you've taken if you need help – it can help them give you the right treatment

• make a plan for getting home safely and avoid driving after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

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Remember that substances can affect different people differently, and factors like strength, dose, other substances and your health can all change the level of risk.

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What should I do if someone becomes unwell?

If someone becomes seriously unwell after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, get medical help.

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Call 999 if someone:

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• loses consciousness or can't be woken

• has difficulty breathing or stops breathing

• has a seizure

• becomes seriously confused or unresponsive

• appears to be in immediate danger

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Stay with them while you're waiting for help.

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If they're unconscious but breathing, put them in the recovery position and continue to check their breathing.

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Tell the ambulance crew what you know about what they've taken. Being honest can help them provide the right treatment.

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If you're unsure how serious something is, it's better to seek medical advice than assume they'll be okay.

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How can alcohol or drugs affect my wellbeing?

Alcohol and drugs can affect everyone differently.

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You might initially feel more relaxed, confident, energetic or sociable. But substances can also affect your mood, judgement, concentration and behaviour, both while you're using them and afterwards.

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You might notice changes to your:

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• mental health or mood

• sleep

• motivation and concentration

• studies

• relationships

• physical health

• finances

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Sometimes you might feel anxious, low or worried about things that happened while you were drinking or taking drugs.

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If alcohol or drugs are becoming a way of coping with stress, anxiety or difficult feelings, or you're worried about how often you're using them, talking to someone can be a useful next step.

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You don't need to wait until your substance use feels like a serious problem before asking for support.

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What if I'm worried about my drinking or drug use?

It can be difficult to know when something has moved from occasional use to something you're concerned about.

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You might want to think about whether alcohol or drugs are:

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• costing you more than you'd like

• affecting your studies or attendance

• affecting your relationships

• making your physical or mental health worse

• becoming something you rely on to cope

• difficult to cut down or stop

• leading you to take risks you wouldn't normally take

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You don't need to identify with words like “addiction” or “dependency” to ask for help. If something about your alcohol or drug use is worrying you, that's enough reason to reach out.

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Will I get in trouble if I ask for support?

Don't let worries about judgement stop you from getting help when you need it.

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The University's Wellbeing Services can support students with concerns about alcohol use and other issues affecting their wellbeing.

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It's also important to understand that there are rules around illegal drugs and behaviour connected with alcohol or drugs. The University's Student Drug and Alcohol Policy explains its approach and what may happen if concerns arise.

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The current policy is under review, so check the University's website for the most up-to-date information.

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If you're involved in a University process and aren't sure what it means or what to do next, our Advice Team can help you understand your options.

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Where can I get specialist support?

There are organisations that can give you confidential information and support around alcohol and drugs.

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• Together Drug & Alcohol Service: provides support for people in Devon who are affected by alcohol or drug use. You can speak to someone about your own substance use or concerns about somebody else and find out what support might be right for you.

• FRANK: provides straightforward information about drugs, their effects and risks. You can use the website to find information about different substances or contact the service if you have questions or need advice.

• YoungMinds: has information about drugs, alcohol and mental health, including dealing with pressure from other people and supporting a friend.

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What if I'm worried about a friend?

You don't need to have all the answers. If you're worried about someone's alcohol or drug use, try talking to them when they're sober and you're both somewhere you feel comfortable.

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Focus on what you've noticed and how they're doing rather than judging their choices. You could say something like:

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“I've noticed you haven't seemed yourself recently and I'm worried about you. How are things?”

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Listen to what they tell you and encourage them to get further support if they need it.

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And remember to look after yourself too. Supporting someone else can be difficult, and you don't have to take responsibility for managing their substance use.

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How can the Advice Team help?

Our Advice Team isn't a specialist drug or alcohol service, but we can help if alcohol or drug use is affecting other areas of your university experience.

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We can:

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• help you understand University processes or policies

• talk through academic issues that may have arisen

• help with financial or housing concerns

• signpost you to wellbeing or specialist drug and alcohol support

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We're here to help you understand your options, not judge you for asking.

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Complete our enquiry form or email advice@exeterguild.com. If you need immediate medical help, call 999.