Alcohol & Other Drug Education
Alcohol and Other Drug Education
- Consultations
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Consultations are available by appointment. For emergencies, call 911.
Consultation Appointments
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Please email Madeleine Moore
The Alcohol and Other Drug Education program believes that, when students are provided with relevant, culturally conscious, and evidence-based information about alcohol and other drug use, as well as harm reduction strategies, they are capable of navigating situations where substance use is prevalent and making decisions that reduce harmful consequences for themselves and their peers. Through peer-to-peer education and engagement, student-centered programming, and by providing individual support and assistance with accessing various campus resources, the program empowers students to make informed decisions that feel appropriate for supporting their personal wellness, as well as the wellness of their community.
Before You Visit
Before visiting with Madeleine Moore (the Alcohol and Other Drug Program Coordinator) you may find it helpful to check out eCheckup to Go, a brief, anonymous, an interactive tool that allows you to examine your own personal use of alcohol or marijuana, in comparison with other students, both at University of Maryland and nationwide. This is not a requirement to meet with Madeleine, but rather a resource for you to access whenever you want to.
If you are experiencing significant distress please schedule an appointment with a trained substance use counselor in our Substance Use Intervention & Treatment Unit.
Of note, eCheckup to Go is sometimes required for other types of appointments in the Health Center, like appointments required as a result of Office of Student Conduct sanctions, but any eCheckup to Go requirements will be communicated to you clearly prior to those types of appointments.
If you are experiencing a crisis or a mental health emergency during regular business hours, please visit the University Health Center or Counseling Center.
Services
Consultations
Individual consultations with our Alcohol and Other Drug Program Coordinator, Madeleine Moore, are available to address to address questions and concerns related to substance use. Appointments vary depending on the needs of the student, but may cover harm reduction strategies, advice on how to help a friend, or getting the most up-to-date information about alcohol or other drug-related topics.
Meeting with a health educator can be a helpful step for many as they work to better understand their individual relationship with alcohol and other drugs, how to reduce the risks associated with substance use, or to get some advice about how to help a friend who may be experiencing a substance abuse-related issue. Madeleine is a trained health educator and will tailor the consultation visit to the expressed needs of the individual student requesting the appointment. All consultations will be virtual, and students will be given additional information once an appointment is scheduled.
A $25 no show fee is applied when appointments are not canceled in a timely manner; at least 24 hours before the appointment time. This fee may also apply for late arrivals and missed appointments. To cancel an appointment please call the appointment line (301) 314-8184.
Presentations
The Alcohol and Other Drugs Education Unit offers asynchronous topic-specific introductory presentations, as well as synchronous professional staff presentations, by request for Fall 2020.
For Fall 2020, all introductory-level presentations related to alcohol use, stress management, and sexual health will be available asynchronously by request. Please email Madeleine Moore at mmoore56@umd.edu to request the Alcohol 101 presentation for your classroom, student group, or residence hall. Additional asynchronous presentations related to substance use may be made available in the coming months.
For a professional staff presentation, program, interview, or consultation regarding substance use education and programming, please email Madeleine Moore at mmoore56@umd.edu - please note that at least 2 weeks’ notice is required for each request, and that all synchronous education sessions will be conducted virtually for the Fall 2020 semester.
Understanding Blood Alcohol Content
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is the concentration of alcohol in the blood and is typically expressed as a percentage. For example, a BAC of 0.10% means there is one part alcohol for every 1,000 parts blood.
Several factors can influence an individual’s BAC; including, but not limited to:
- Amount of alcohol consumed (see standard drink size below)
- Duration/Speed of consumption
- Body type/weight
- Physiological differences between men and women
- If food is present in the stomach
- If other medications are present in the body
Blood Alcohol Content | Levels and Effects |
0.02-0.03% | Slight euphoria; mildly relaxed; some lightheadedness |
0.04-0.06% | Lowered inhibitions; minor impairment of reasoning and memory |
0.07-0.09% | Slight impairment of balance, speech, vision, reaction time, and hearing; judgment is reduced; reasoning and memory are impaired, unable to accurately judge abilities |
0.10-0.125% | Significant impairment of motor coordination and judgment; speech may be slurred; balance, vision, reaction time, and hearing will be impaired |
0.13-0.15% | Gross motor impairment and lack of physical control; blurred vision and major loss of balance, judgment and perception are severely impaired |
0.16-0.19% | Vomiting may occur |
0.20% | Disoriented; may need help to stand/walk; blackouts are likely |
0.25% | Mental, physical, and sensory functions are severely impaired; increased risk of asphyxiation from choking on vomit |
0.30% | Stupor; little comprehension of surroundings |
0.35% | Coma is possible |
0.40% and up | Possible death due to respiratory arrest |
Source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) |
The Gold Code
The Gold Code is an harm reduction campaign to educate the campus community on reducing the risks associated with drinking alcohol. While we want to make sure that if you do choose to drink, you are able to do so in ways that reduce the risk of harmful consequences for you and for your peers. We also recognize that 1 in 4 Terps choose not to drink alcohol at all during their time at UMD, and the Gold Code celebrates that choice too!
Know the Gold Code
Pregame with Protein
Before you start drinking, make sure to enjoy a meal high in protein (i.e. cheeses, meats, black beans, peanuts, etc.). Having protein-rich food in your system before you start drinking will help to slow the absorption of alcohol, which helps control your blood alcohol levels.
Pace, Don't Race
If you decide to drink, there are many ways to pace yourself and make sure you have fun all night long! make sure to measure the amount of alcohol you put in the drink. Avoid taking drinks from someone you don’t know or from communal bowls as you may not be able to accurately measure the amount of alcohol in the drink. Have a system for keeping track of the number of drinks you consume.
Leave No Terp Behind
We are living through challenging times that impact the ways in which we socialize with our friends. While many students may not be going to large parties this semester, it is still important to Leave No Terp Behind. At the University of Maryland, we believe in supporting one another, whether that is making sure a friend returns home safety after visiting a bar on Route 1, calling for emergency assistance if you see someone in showing signs of alcohol poisoning, or sharing concerns you have about a friend’s substance use, it is critical that every Terp knows that their community has their back.
Sober is Safest
At the end of the day, the only way to eliminate risks associated with drinking alcohol is to simply choose not to drink alcohol in the first place! Whether you make that choice for yourself for one night, one semester, or your entire college career, know that you are in good company - 1 in 4 Terps choose not to drink at all during their time at UMD. That said, if you do choose to drink, make sure you have a night to remember, not a night to forget! Alcohol poisoning occurs when a large amount of alcohol is consumed; typically over a short period of time. Drink responsibly by avoiding activities that encourage consuming large amounts of alcohol (i.e. chugging, drinking games, etc.) and alternating alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages.