Drug and alcohol misuse
Drug and alcohol misuse
BNU is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all students and this includes through its Student Drug and Alcohol Policy.
University students may be at greater risk than many other social groups of the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol and of developing drug and alcohol misuse issues.
There is no clear, universal point at which drug and alcohol use becomes misuse, but any amount of drug or alcohol use can become harmful, problematic, or dependent.
Students who misuse drugs and/or alcohol are more likely to engage in illegal activities, come to physical or mental harm, and to not attend lectures and other learning events. Some students are also at risk of developing a dependency on drugs or alcohol to revise, concentrate, complete academic work, or just to get through the day.
You should always seek to be aware of the impact that drugs or alcohol may be having on your health and wellbeing, and academic and personal lives.
Drinking alcohol, often to excess, is sometimes considered ‘normal’ among student populations. Most students are over 18-years old, and alcohol is therefore legal and readily available.
Be aware that getting drunk regularly can have potentially serious physiological, psychological, and social effects. When you are drunk, you are more vulnerable to criminals or others who may have malicious intent. Regular consumption of alcohol can also lead to life-altering dependency issues.
If you choose to drink alcohol, drinking in moderation is advised and you should only drink in familiar places, with people you know and trust, and take all necessary precautions to protect yourself.
You should not feel pressured into drinking by others, and you should never pressurise someone else into drinking. If you choose not to consume alcohol, that’s okay! For more information about alcohol use and its effects, visit Drinkaware.
The use of recreational drugs can have serious consequences for your health and wellbeing and comes with the risk of criminal prosecution or other penalties. The use, sale, or manufacture of illegal drugs on University premises is never condoned. Prescription drugs should only be used as directed by a GP, pharmacist, or other medical professional. Like alcohol, the longer-term, negative effects of regular drug use can be life-altering. For more information about drugs and their effects, visit FRANK.
Help available
If you are concerned about your drug or alcohol use, your GP is a good place to start. There are also committed support services available to you:
- One Recovery Bucks (ORB) are an NHS associated organisation dedicated to reducing the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol. They offer a free and confidential service, including advice, information, and treatment for Buckinghamshire residents aged 18 and over.
- Build on Belief offer a drop-in service, peer-support, and various support activities in several locales around London, Buckinghamshire, and the South of England.
- The Chiltern and Thames Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) organise support meetings for people living with alcohol misuse issues.
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA) organise support meetings all over the country for people living with drug misuse issues.
- BNU also facilitates a running group, Wellness Warriors on the Run, for people living with drug and alcohol misuse issues. Group exercise can be one of the most effective recovery aids, boosting social and psychological wellbeing as well as building your physical fitness. The group run every Monday and Thursday evening from 5.30pm, leaving from the Garden Café, and all abilities are welcome.