Facts
Alcohol use is commonly associated with the culture of higher education. Many students overperceive the extent of their peers’ alcohol use. Find out more about campus alcohol use norms here: UNO College Behavioral Profile.
Between 4% and 6% of students who use alcohol are estimated to develop a substance use disorder.
Common Experiences Associated with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD)…
- Pattern of frequent high-risk alcohol use.
- Unwanted consequences related to alcohol use such as:
- Vomiting
- Hang-over
- Memory impairment
- Engaging in high-risk behavior such as driving under the influence
- Declining academic performance
- Sleep problems
- Friends or peers expressing concerns about alcohol use
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop alcohol use
Things You Can Do
Addressing a personal concern about alcohol use is a difficult or perhaps scary choice. UNO CAPS have several staff who are licensed providers for substance use disorder who can help explore use and provide support.
Alcoholics Anonymous meets several times weekly on campus and can be located on the CAPS web page.
Helping a Friend
If you have a friend who appears to be drinking more and you are concerned, there are some things you can do. First, when you speak to your friend, express your concern about behavioral choices such as drinking large amounts, drinking more frequently, skipping class or work when making time to drink or recover from the effects, avoiding people or places where alcohol is not available, aggressive behavior or memory impairment when drinking.
Be prepared with knowledge of resources at CAPS and be willing to assist a friend with coming to CAPS.
CAPS can help with assessment and recommendations or locating other sources of support.