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Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention

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The prevention of drug and alcohol abuse supports Mercy College of Ohio’s efforts to maintain an environment that promotes the safety and health of all students and members of the campus community.

The College recognizes that drug and alcohol abuse can be a major obstacle to students’ personal and academic success and impacts the entire campus environment. Prevention, early detection, and timely intervention are imperative tools to reduce or eliminate drug and alcohol abuse.

Programming for Alcohol and Drug awareness and prevention is offered by Counseling and Wellness Services on the Mercy College campus throughout the academic year.

What to consider

Signs and Symptoms that May be Indicative of Drug or Alcohol Abuse

  • Decreased interest in classes or extracurricular activities
  • Decreased academic performance
  • Sleep issues
  • Changes in weight
  • Spending more time with others who have a reputation for drug and alcohol abuse
  • Withdrawing
  • Changes in behavior or personality
  • Mood swings

Effects of Drugs and Alcohol Abuse on Academics

  • Skipping class
  • Missing deadlines
  • Failing a test or project because of the after effects of drinking
  • Impairing the ability to think abstractly for up to 30 days, limiting the ability to relate textbook reading to in-class discussion

Health Risks Associated with the Use of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol Abuse

  • Blackouts, poisoning, overdose and death
  • Physical and psychological dependence
  • Damage to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and liver
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Inability to learn and remember information
  • Psychological problems including depression, psychosis, and severe anxiety
  • Impaired judgment and coordination
  • Associated with acquaintance assault and rape; DUI/DWI arrests; hazing; falls, drowning and other injuries; contracting sexually-transmitted infections including AIDS
  • Unwanted or unplanned sexual experiences and pregnancy

*Drug and alcohol abuse can also lead to financial difficulties and legal trouble.

Where to get help

  • MercyCollege.eduCounseling and Wellness Services


    Counseling and Wellness services promote the personal growth and wellness for all students through personal counseling, group counseling, campus programming, and crisis response.

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  • External LinkAlcoholics Anonymous for Northeast Ohio and Southwest Michigan


    Information on a local Alcoholics Anonymous chapter.

    Visit Link
  • External LinkOhio Mental Health & Addiction Services


    Resources, treatment, support, research, funding, and prevention strategies for mental health and addiction.

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  • External LinkArrowhead Behavioral Health


    Arrowhead Behavioral Health is a private, caring, free-standing mental health treatment facility located just outside of Toledo, in Maumee, OH

    Visit Link
  • External LinkGlenbeigh Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center


    Glenbeigh is a Cleveland Clinic affiliate drug and alcohol rehabilitation specialty hospital and treatment center.

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  • External LinkUnison Health


    A comprehensive behavioral healthcare facility, serving young children to adults in Northwest Ohio.

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  • External LinkMeridian Healthcare


    Meridian HealthCare is a non-profit, accredited, integrated behavioral and primary healthcare organization in the Mahoning Valley.

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  • External LinkNew Day Recovery


    New Day Recovery operates as a free-standing detoxification and substance abuse treatment facility in Youngstown, Ohio.

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  • External LinkAlcoholics Anonymous


    Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem

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  • External LinkAlcohol Addiction Center


    Alcoholism resources

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  • External LinkAlcohol Poisoning


    A list of warning signs and practical knowledge regarding alcohol poisoning.

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  • External LinkCollege Drinking: Changing the Culture


    Research and education centered on reducing underage and college drinking.

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  • External LinkCommonly Abused Drug Charts from the National Institute on Drug Abuse


    Trends and alerts regarding substance use and abuse.

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  • Document .pdfNational Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism


    A fact sheet on the impact of harmful and underage college drinking.

    Download
  • External LinkNational Institute on Drug Abuse


    An educational resource for understanding and overcoming drug addictions.

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  • External LinkParty Hearty or Party Smart: Drinking in College


    An article discussing concerns of alcohol consumption and the impact dangerous drinking can have on an individual.

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  • External LinkRethinking Drinking: Alcohol and Your Health


    A practical guide to understanding appropriate alcohol use and making healthy choices.

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  • Document .pdfTips for Cutting Down on Drinking


    A practical guide to understanding appropriate amounts of alcohol consumption and tips for reducing alcohol use.

    Download
  • External LinkWhat Parents Need to Know about College Drinking


    A brochure of practical information that helps parents better understand campus culture and help their student choose a college.

    Visit Link