Substance Use

According to the Maryland College Survey, a significant majority of Hood students (79%) reported not participating in high risk drinking in the past month. High risk drinking includes binge drinking which is considered when a female (identified at birth) has 4 or more drinks, and a man (identified at birth) has 5 or more drinks in two hours.  Among those students who reported consuming alcohol, 25% reported having cognitive consequences, 17% reported driving consequences and 9% reported academic consequences. It is important to note that college students tend to overestimate the prevalence of alcohol and drug use on campus and the majority of our campus chooses not to participate in high risk drinking and over one-third of students choose not to drink at all! 

For students who choose to consume alcohol, please consider the following facts:

• Get familiar with "standard drinks": 12 ounces of beer at 5% ABV, 5 ounces of wine at 12% ABV, and 1.5 ounces of liquor at 40% ABV. Knowing this can help you to track your drinks. 
• Your blood alcohol content depends on your body mass, your sex assigned at birth, how much you eat before drinking, how many drinks you have and how quickly you drink them.
• Alcohol can impact your physical performance. Binge drinking can decrease your aerobic ability, muscle recovery and healing from injuries.
• 32% of students report having to take care of their peers who have been drinking and 31% report interruptions to sleep or studying. Be a responsible and respectful friend/roommate!
• Brains are still “under construction” until age 25. The earlier in life alcohol use begins, the greater the likelihood of problems including addiction and substance abuse and harms to learning and memory. 
• Know the signs of alcohol overdose by remembering 'PUBS': puking while passed out, unresponsive to pinching, slow or no breathing, skin is blue, cold or clammy. Call 911 right away if you notice any of these signs!

Campus Policies

The college is required to comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, which mandates that each institution distribute written standards of conduct to all students and employees annually. These standards must clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on school property or as part of any school activities for employees (policy in employee manual) or students (Code of Conduct in student handbook). Violating the Hood alcohol or drug policy will result in student conduct sanctions and processes. 

Screening

Use and complete this anonymous screening tool from the CDC to check your drinking habits and receive feedback based on your answers. If you want to drink less, the screening tool can also help you build a plan to make healthier choices!

According to the Maryland College Survey, a significant majority of Hood students (87%) reported not using cannabis in the past month. The MD-CAS 2024 Survey, conducted among Hood students, found that 79% of respondents reported not using cannabis in the past year. Among those who reported using cannabis, consuming edibles and smoking were the preferred method of consumption. It is important to note that college students tend to overestimate the prevalence of alcohol and drug use on campus and the majority of our campus chooses not to use cannabis or other drugs. 

For students who choose to use marijuana, please consider the following facts:

• Impaired driving crashes have increased significantly in other states who have legalized marijuana.
• It’s illegal to take marijuana products out of the state.
• Marijuana is not cheap. The national average price of marijuana per ounce is $326.00. (District of Columbia being the most expensive)
• Maryland College Survey found a statistically significant association between using cannabis in academic contexts and lower GPA/skipping class.

Campus Policies

At Hood College, it is prohibited for anyone (regardless of age) to possess or use marijuana on campus in any form, even with a prescription. The college is required to comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, which mandates that each institution distribute written standards of conduct to all students and employees annually. These standards must clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on school property or as part of any school activities for employees (policy in employee manual) or students (Code of Conduct in student handbook). Violating the Hood alcohol or drug policy by being under the influence of marijuana will result in student conduct sanctions and processes. This includes using marijuana in any form, such as smoking, eating, or vaping in residence halls, in parking lots, in public outdoor places such as the quad and more. It is worth noting that smoking and vaping are also in violation of the college's smoke-free campus policy.

Health

Cannabis use can also impact your health in many ways. From short-term effects like impaired memory and concentration, to long-term risks such as addiction and lung damage, it's essential to understand the potential health consequences associated with cannabis use. It is crucial to educate yourself on the potential risks to make informed decisions about your health.

• altered senses (for example, seeing brighter colors)
• altered sense of time
• Sleep disruptions, impaired memory, and sleepiness
• changes in mood
• impaired body movement
• difficulty with thinking and problem-solving
• impaired memory
• hallucinations, delusions, & psychosis (regular use of high potency marijuana when taken in high doses)
• breathing problems
• increased heart rate
• severe nausea vomiting (long term use)
• temporary hallucinations
• temporary paranoia
• worsening symptoms in patients with schizophrenia—a severe mental disorder with symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoia, and disorganized thinking

(National Institute on Drug Abuse & American Psychological Association, 2022)

Maryland State Law

Curious about how the legalization of cannabis in Maryland affects the Hood community? Read the infographic below for more details. 

• Share or complete this anonymous screening tool from the CDC to check your drinking habits and receive feedback based on your answers. If you want to drink less, the tool can also help you build a plan to make healthier choices!
• Students can visit Hood College Health Services for a medical evaluation and consultation with a medical provider.
• Students can visit Hood College Counseling Services or the NeighborHood Counseling Training Center for a consultation. Counseling staff can support students struggling with substance use in finding a substance use provider in the community. 
• Frederick County Behavioral Health Services offers confidential support in accessing treatment for substance use disorders. They also offer education on responsible drinking strategiesthrough their Rethink Your Drink campaign.
• The Maryland Collaborative is a statewide organization, of which Hood College is a member, that aims to reduce drinking and other substance use related harms on college campuses. 
  • The Collaborative's Resources for Parents is a great starting place for parents, families and loved ones who want to begin discussions on expectations around alcohol and other substances. Specifically, the Talking Points to Check in With Your Student Throughout the Year article is helpful.
• There are several community providers in the Frederick area that specialize in substance use treatment including the Kolmac Outpatient Recovery and The Orenda Center of Wellness. Individuals can also find a community provider using theSAMHSA Treatment Locator. 

A state-mandated strategy to maintain a drug-free campus requires all public schools and institutions of higher education to begin stocking the drug Naloxone, more commonly known by its prescription name Narcan, and training staff on how to administer it. The Heroin and Opioid Education and Community Action Act of 2017, or the Start Talking Maryland Act, sets several requirements for schools in response to the continuing rise in opioid-related overdose deaths across the state.

The bill includes a clause that exempts school nurses and other personnel from personal liability while responding to an emergency and the state's Good Samaritan law protects anyone who seeks or provides medical attention during an overdose.

• Campus Safety, Wellness and Health Center staff have been trained by Frederick County Behavioral Health Services to administer Naloxone (Narcan) and have it in their offices.
• Any community member can participate in a free Overdose Response/Narcan administration training through the Frederick County Health Department. Visit their website to see upcoming trainings and events. 
• Opioid overdose awareness information will be provided to incoming students during orientation and during other educational events throughout the year.