HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ALCOHOL AND DRUGS There are obvious risks associated with alcohol and drug abuse, but there are a number of less obvious risks as well: Physical and mental dependence Memory loss Violent behavior, aggressive acts, and angry feelings Headaches Nausea and/or vomiting Muscle weakness A drug tolerance Liver, lung, and kidney problems Brain damage Hallucinations, tremors, and convulsions Hyperactivity or Sluggish behavior Poor academic performance Unwanted sexual activity (i.e. date rape) Sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS Unwanted pregnancy Impact on future career prospects Adverse effects from withdrawal Alcohol and other drug use may also lead to other health problems such as respiratory depression, cancer, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, elevated blood pressure, and, in some case, death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, even low doses of alcohol can have dangerous effects. ON-CAMPUS RESOURCES In case of an emergency, contact Public Safety at 202-885-3636. If you are ever in doubt about your own health and safety or somebody else’s, call for help. The Office of the Dean of Students (202-885-3300) provides general information about campus resources. It also offers programming during orientation and through various organized groups of students interested in educating the campus community about alcohol and drug use and related issues. The Student Health Center can provide treatment and/or referral for health issues related to alcohol and other drug use. For more information, call 202-885-3380. The Counseling Center offers individual counseling for students concerned about alcohol and other drug use. For more information, call 202-885-3500. Visit the Counseling Center home page on the Web at www.american.edu/ocl/counseling/index.cfm. Residence Hall Assistants and Directors can discuss alcohol and other