Alcohol & Drugs

Alcohol & Drugs

While in college there can be a lot of pressure to drink alcohol and to drink it in very large amounts. Remember you do not have to drink alcohol to have a good night! It is important to know about the effects of alcohol and drugs to keep yourself safe and well. We all know that Ireland has a drinking culture and most of us know that we probably drink more than we should. However, when everyone else is doing the same, it is easy to forget how bad alcohol can be for our health. You should know how it effects your own body and how to drink safely. Sometime in our lives, we will all be exposed to drugs and/or to those who abuse them. It is important to be aware of the adverse effects that drugs have on our health. There are so many cocktails and mixtures of new drugs out there every day and you never know what it is you are actually taking. The temptation and curiosity to try something new is always there, but there are far better alternatives for the “first time thrill” you may be seeking. You could go sky-diving, bungee jumping or extreme kayaking. Drugs are not a thrill that you control. THEY CONTROL YOU. Would you let someone tell you how to live your life? Tell you what to wear? What to eat? Who you can be friends with? No! So why let a substance like drugs dictate your life?

Positive Mind

& Body campaign So if you have any wor14-16 Nov 2022 ries, queries or you/a friend/a family member are dealing with a drug abuse problem, there is a lot of support available. Information on many of these services is available from the Students’ Union.

Useful Websites: www.drugs.ie www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie www.corkdrugandalcohol.ie

MENTAL HEALTH Stressed out

At any given point in time, most college students are stressed about something, but sometimes stress is not a bad thing. Stress can be used to motivate you to finish those assignments on time or to knuckle down and study for an upcoming exam. Stress can however be dangerous and harmful to your body and mind if you don’t control it. While having stress in your life is normal and often unavoidable, being stressed is something you can control. The following are tips on how to manage stress and to get the most out of your college experience:

Healthy Eating

Yes fast food and junk food are convenient, and plentiful, but they don’t set you up to do your best. Fuelling yourself with nutritious foods can boost your immune system, help you maintain a healthy weight and help you feel better about yourself. Eating well will increase your physical, mental, and emotional stamina. Be sure to keep your fridge stocked with fresh fruits and veggies, and high-protein snacks, and be sure that your main meals are healthy and balanced. Keep hydrated also drink plenty of water!