By Madeline Pennell
For many universities around the country, March is the month of Spring Break, a time when students often travel, unwind, and yes, party. Drinking and using other substances has a sizable presence in university culture in the USA. A national survey on Drug Use and Health reported that among “full-time college students ages 18 to 22, 49.0% drank alcohol” (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2021). When drinking or using any other substances, it is important for students to be aware of the risks and know how to keep yourself and others safer.
In today’s toxic drug market, you can never be 100% sure about what is in your drugs. Carrying naloxone and using fentanyl test strips save lives. In 2023, the CDC reported that over a “10-year study period, overdose deaths involving more than one substance or overdoses involving cocaine and opioids increased from 0.8 deaths per 100,000 in 2011 to 5.9 per 100,000 deaths in 2021 — a seven-fold increase" (Mammoser, G. 2023, July 21). This report also mentioned that “In 2021, nearly 80% of all overdose deaths involving cocaine also involved an opioid.”
You can inquire about free fentanyl testing strips and the opioid overdose-reversing medication naloxone through your local harm reduction agency or public health department. Test strips can also be purchased through DanceSafe, and Narcan (naloxone in a nasal spray form) is available for purchase at many pharmacies. Anyone can pick up free naloxone and test strips at Prevention Point Philadelphia. If your student group is interested in an overdose reversal training, reach out to Prevention Point’s Overdose Prevention team at: narcan@ppponline.org.
At the end of the day, every decision should be based on your personal boundaries and limits.
Once you have tested your substances for fentanyl, make sure you understand the potential effects of the drugs you are using, as well as possible effects of combining it with alcohol or other substances. Combining drugs or mixing drugs with alcohol can have varying effects that differ depending on the substances and the individual.
There are other simple but important steps that students can take to be as safe as possible. Eating and drinking water beforehand and throughout the night can have a big effect on how you feel while partying and the next day. It is also a good idea to make a clear plan for the night with people that you trust. Setting expectations regarding substance use and talking about how you want the night to go could minimize the possibility of people separating and ending up alone. It is also important to check in with yourself, and decide what you want and do not want to do. At the end of the day, every decision should be based on your personal boundaries and limits.
One risk that all college students should be aware of is sexual assault. Sadly, one in five women experience sexual assault during their time in college (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2021). A couple ways to minimize your risk of assault include staying around people you trust throughout the night, and not leaving your drink or other substances unattended.
Drinking while driving or getting into a car with a driver who has been drinking is another common risk. Before you leave for the night, make a plan for how you’re going to get home. This could mean taking an Uber, Lyft, or a university shuttle. A lot of universities provide free transportation for students throughout the night. If you need to drive somewhere, make sure your group has a designated sober driver.
Some students spend spring break in a city or country they have never been to before. If you plan to go out and drink or use substances in a part of the world you don’t know well, do some research ahead of time about areas to avoid. Know the local emergency response phone number (the equivalent of 911). Look into the local transportation options and make a plan for how to get home before you go out.
Applying the principles of harm reduction to your plans – whether on campus or on spring break – can reduce potential risk and ultimately lead to a safer and more enjoyable time for everyone.
References
Mammoser, G. (2023, July 21). Fentanyl-Laced Cocaine is Causing Major Increase in Fatal Overdoses. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/fentanyl-laced-cocaine-is-leading-to-major-increase-in-fatal-overdoses
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2021, October). Harmful and Underage College Drinking. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/college-drinking
Spencer, M.P.H., M., Miniño, M.P.H., A., & Garnett, M.P.H., M. (2023, July 19). Products - Data Briefs - Number 474 - July 2023. Www.cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db474.htm#section_1