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Alcohol & Other Drugs

The Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Education Program is a multidimensional resource for undergraduate students. The AOD office focuses on educating, supporting, & meeting students where they are at using a realistic, harm-reduction approach. The AOD office is available to provide trainings for individuals, student organizations, or faculty and staff interested in learning more about AOD.

The AOD education program supports undergraduate & graduate students with their relationship with alcohol and other drugs by:

  • Educating students using frameworks of harm-reduction, trauma informed practices and the transtheoretical model of change
  • Working with students to address substance use patterns and create safer drinking or substance use strategies
  • Implementing and evaluating harm reduction programming on campus, including using evidence based programming

In order to best serve the campus community, we collaborate with students and staff across the institution to create a comprehensive substance abuse harm reduction programming focused on the health and safety of University of Rochester community.

Alcohol

Alcohol is the main drug of choice of college students.

Serving Size

In the United States a standard serving size for alcohol is 14 grams of pure alcohol, which equates to:

  • 12 oz (354.88mL) of beer (typically 5% alcohol by volume)
  • 5 oz (147.868mL) of wine (typically 12% alcohol by volume)
  • 1.5oz (44.36mL) of liquor (typically 40% alcohol by volume)

Check out this diagram from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism for examples of types of drinks and their standard serving size.

Binge Drinking

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking that brings a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 grams percent or above. This typically happens when men consume 5 or more drinks or women consume 4 or more drinks in about 2 hours.

How to combat binge drinking:

  • Center your gathering around something other than alcohol (sporting event, birthday, games, food, etc.)
  • Pacing and spacing drinks; sip your drink rather than chugging
  • Alternate with non-alcoholic drink, water, electrolyte drink, juice, etc.
  • Avoid drinking games and pre-gaming

Alcohol related offenses are each handled differently depending on the circumstances surrounding them. If you have questions about alcohol related code of conduct violations please contact our office at (585) 275-4085 or by email.

Signs of Alcohol Overconsumption (this is not a checklist!)
  • Confusion
  • Vomiting/Nausea
  • Seizures
  • Low body temperature
  • Clammy skin
  • Slow response
  • Poor Coordination
  • Slow/Irregular Breathing
  • Unconsciousness
Safer Drinking Strategies
  • Alternate between non-alcoholic drinks and alcoholic
  • Sip don’t gulp
  • Space and Pace your drinking
  • Keep to one thing, no mixing alcohols
  • Always eat before and while you consume
  • Have a plan for the night
  • Stay with a group
  • Have a designated driver
  • Never put someone to bed to “sleep it off”
  • Avoid the pre-game and drinking games
  • Know what’s in your drink
Other Resources

Cannabis

NYS has recently made cannabis for adult-use legal for those over the age of 21.

Please be aware UR follows federal law. Because cannabis is federally illegal, all campuses must comply with the Drug Free Schools and Campuses Communities Act, which does not allow cannabis, medicinal or adult-use, on school property. This also includes cannabis paraphernalia.

THC: Tetrahydrocannabinol is one of the two main cannabinoids extracted from cannabis. This is the compound this is responsible for the high feeling when cannabis is consumed. You CAN over consume THC!

Signs of THC Overconsumption
  • Increased Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Anxiety Attacks
  • High or Low Blood Pressure
  • Nausea
  • Hallucinations
  • Extreme Confusion
Smoking/Vaping vs. Ingestion

There are different effects that cannabis has on a person if they inhale or ingest it.

Time of EffectInhalingIngestion
Start of EffectsSeconds to a few minutes30 minutes to 2 hours
Peak of Effects30 minutes4 hours
Length of Effects~6 hours, depending on dosage~12-24 hours, depending on dosage
Safer Cannabis Strategies
  • Start slow!
  • Know your source, going to a dispensary is safest because of state regulations
  • Drink water
  • Use with people you know and trust
  • Don’t mix substances, stick to one thing
  • Eat before and during use

Resources: The T-Break Guide, a guide to support you day by day in taking a successful break from cannabis use.  

Tolerance Breaks

Are you considering a tolerance break or looking to reduce or stop cannabis use? Check out the T-Break Guide created by Tom Fontana from the University of Vermont. This comprehensive, self-guided 21-day program is designed to support you through your journey. Research shows that young adults who use this guide are more likely to successfully complete their break.

Ready to get started? Download this guide!

Narcan & Test Strips

The UHS Health Promotion office believes in harm reduction, and we want to provide you with the tools, knowledge, and skills necessary to reduce risk of negative consequences surrounding alcohol and other drugs.

Substance use and addiction are not easy topics. Staff at the University Counseling Center (UCC) are available to discuss concerns and help get connected with resources. To reach them, call 585-275-3113.

Narcan

What is it?

Narcan, also known as Naloxone, is a life-saving medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdoses by competing with the opioid for space on the receptor.

For written information on how to use Narcan, visit this webpage from the MATTERS Network.

Where can I find it?

Currently Narcan is available in most AED machines on campus, as well as in a wall-mounted box in the lobby of the UHS building. We highly encourage students to take come grab a unit of Narcan to have in their dorm, car, backpack, etc. You never know when you may run into someone who needs it.

Test strips

What are they?

Test strips are used to help identify pills and powders that have been compromised with alternative drugs and fillers. It is important to test your substances for added drugs such as fentanyl or xylazine. It is important to note that testing, while effective, may not capture if every pill is negative or positive for these additives, which is why it is important to test before every use.

Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a strong opioid that majorly contributes to the overdose crisis in the U.S. Prescription fentanyl is used in medicine to treat severe pain, under strict supervision by a medical professional. Illegally made fentanyl is often added to other illicit drugs to increase potency. This is extremely dangerous and increases the risk of an overdose.

Fentanyl can be added to drugs in powder, pill, or liquid forms. Not sure if your drugs contain fentanyl? Test it before consuming! Fentanyl test strips are small strips of paper that can be used to drugs for the presence of fentanyl. Pick up free test strips in the vending machine in the UHS lobby or at the Alcohol and Other Drug Education (AOD) Office, located within the UHS Health Promotion Office on the 4th floor of UHS.

For written information on how to use Narcan and test strips, visit this webpage from the MATTERS Network.

Xylazine

Xylazine is a non-opioid tranquilizer linked to overdoses and deaths. Xylazine has been found in the illegal drug supply and its presence is increasing. It is especially dangerous when mixed with fentanyl. Since xylazine is not an opioid, Narcan will not reverse an overdose. Because of this, testing your drugs and seeking medical attention if needed is crucial.

Pick up free test strips in the vending machine in the UHS lobby or at the Alcohol and Other Drug Education (AOD) Office, located within the UHS Health Promotion Office on the 4th floor of UHS.

For written information on how to use Narcan and testing strips, visit this webpage from the MATTERS Network.

Medical Amnesty

The health and safety of every student at the University of Rochester is of utmost importance. The medical amnesty policy encourages students to get help when themselves or a peer needs medical attention from alcohol or other drugs (illicit or not). The big things to know about the medical amnesty policy are:

  • Active: a person needs to actively seek help
  • No conduct violation: There will not be alcohol or other drugs conduct violation against the person needing medical attention, and the person or organization who reached out for help.
  • Education: Students will meet with a professional staff member and complete an educational assignment.
Read the full policy
  1. Students who seek medical attention for others related to consumption of alcohol or other drugs will not be charged with possession (unless with intent to distribute) or consumption of alcohol or other drugs in violation of the University of Rochester Alcohol and Other Drug Policy.
  2. Students who receive medical attention related to the consumption of alcohol and/or other drugs in accordance with this policy will not be charged with violations of the University of Rochester Alcohol and Other Drug Policy (specifically, Standards 6 and 7 in the Standards of Student Conduct) provided that the student does the following:
    1. Meets with a University staff member to discuss the incident.
    2. Completes any educational sanctions assigned by that staff member to help the student make safer, more responsible decisions with alcohol and/or other drugs.
  3. This policy addresses violations of the University of Rochester Standards of Student Conduct. It does not grant amnesty for criminal, civil, or legal consequences for violations of Federal, State, or Local Law.
  4. This Policy applies only in situations where students or organizations actively seek medical assistance in connection with an alcohol and/or other drug-related medical emergency and does not apply to individuals experiencing an alcohol or drug-related medical emergency who are found by University employees (i.e., Department of Public Safety, faculty, administrative staff, Residential Life staff, including Resident Advisors).
  5. Medical amnesty applies only to alcohol or other drug-related violations and does not apply to other conduct violations such as assault, property damage, endangering the health or safety of others, or distribution of illicit substances (or possession with intent to distribute). If other violations occur, then a student and/or student organization may face disciplinary charges for those violations. The use or abuse of alcohol or drugs is never considered a mitigating circumstance for any other violations of the Standards of Student Conduct.

Program Request

Students, faculty, and staff can request a program to help educate an organization or residence hall on alcohol or other drugs. The Alcohol and Other Drug Education staff can help you create a customized program that fits your needs and will facilitate programs. Request a program using our Presentation Request Form. Below are some examples of programs that we can offer.

Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS)

BASICS is a service used by students to explore alcohol and other substance use. The program uses a harm reduction approach designed to:

  • Promote a non-judgmental environment to help students explore their alcohol use
  • Reduce risky behavior and harmful consequences of alcohol abuse
  • Identify changes that could help students reduce their risk
  • Provide important information and skills for risk reduction as it relates to alcohol use

BASICS involves two sessions with a trained BASICS facilitator:

  • Session I—Students will learn about the program, including information on how to access a web-based questionnaire.
  • Session II—Based on the data collected in the questionnaire, students will receive personalized information about their use of alcohol and other drugs and how it compares to other students in a confidential, one-on-one session.

BASICS may be required when a student violates the University of Rochester Alcohol and Other Drug Policy. If you have questions regarding a policy violation, please call the Center for Student Conflict Management at (585) 275-4085.

Alcohol Education Seminar

Alcohol Education Seminar is a 90-minute course designed to teach students about alcohol use, harm reduction strategies, and University of Rochester policy, as well as state and federal law. Student will participate in activities designed to help them make safer choices.

If interested in registering for the next Alcohol Education Seminar, please reach out to Danielle D’Onofrio at or Sarah Novak.

Students Wanting Alcohol Responsibly Monitored (SWARM)

There are two SWARM trainings available to student organizations: SWARM Event Management and SWARM Risk Reduction.

In order to host events with alcohol on and off campus at the University of Rochester, students are required to complete SWARM Event Management training.

SWARM Risk Reduction, meanwhile, is a harm reduction course that can be helpful for any group or organization on campus interested in learning about safer drinking strategies.

Request a SWARM program using our Presentation Request Form.