Counseling Services provides confidential education and counseling services to students regarding the harmful effects of abusing alcohol/drugs, and how to enjoy academic and college life without the use of such substances.
Keith Cartwright is our Coordinator of Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention. Students who are concerned about their own use of alcohol/drugs, or are worried about a friend’s use, should contact Counseling Services at (804) 752-7270 and ask to speak with one of our counselors or Mr. Cartwright.
The drugs most frequently misused on college campuses, to include Randolph-Macon College, are nicotine, marijuana, and alcohol. The following are resources to help students and parents better understand each of these drugs.
Nicotine
Nicotine Discussion Guide:
1. What is the major reason people use nicotine?
2. Why is nicotine so hard to quit?
3. What is the impact of nicotine on appetite?
4. Talk about the carcinogens and toxins found in cigarettes?
5. How much life does one lose from ingesting nicotine?
6. What percentage of nicotine users want to quit?
7. What makes nicotine like cocaine?
8. What are some proven methods for quitting nicotine?
Alcohol
Alcohol Discussion Guide:
1. Alcohol is water and fat soluble. What does that mean for the body’s organs and cells?
2. How can you tell if someone has a predisposition for alcoholism?
3. Why do people talk louder after drinking?
4. Does a chronic drinker mean someone drinks every day?
5. Talk about the connection between chronic alcohol use and mental health?
6. What are the long-term impacts of alcohol on the brain?
7. How does tolerance impact the long-term impacts of alcohol on the brain and body?
8. Talk about the relationship between alcohol and cancer, in particular breast cancer?
Marijuana (Cannabis)
Marijuana Discussion Guide:
1. What is the difference between the Sativa and Indica strains of marijuana?
2. Why do THC and CBD have such a strong impact on the body despite coming from a naturally grown plant?
3. Why does marijuana sometimes cause alertness and other times anxiety and paranoia?
4. Why does marijuana sometimes have a profound impact on short- and long-term memory?
5. Does marijuana increase creativity?
6. What are possible impacts of marijuana on long term speech patterns?
7. What percentage of young adults use marijuana daily?
8. What is the impact of daily use of marijuana on the short- and long-term mental health of young adults?
Students who wish to begin or continue their recovery from substance abuse can attend the local AA group on Monday and/or Thursday nights, 7:30 p.m. at 401 Virginia Street (Ashland Presbyterian Church, 2 blocks from campus). For more information, contact (866) 641-9190.
