Alcohol, smoking and drugs, stay in control
Comparitively few people run into serious problems with alcohol or drug misuse, but it is often a contributory factor in depression, academic failure, relationship problems, debt, violence, breaking the law, pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
Know your limits
It is a fact that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol is healthier than drinking none at all. For women the acknowledged healthy limit is 14 Units per week and for men it is 21 Units . Calculate your alcohol units with an online unit calculator.
Keep a drinks diary for a few weeks to total up your daily and weekly intake. Look at where and when you consume most and use some of the tips below to reduce drinking at these times.
Tips for cutting down on alcohol
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Drink something weaker and don’t drink in ‘rounds’
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Start drinking later and go out with less cash
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Avoid going to the places you drink most
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Start with a soft drink, and alternate alcoholic and soft drinks
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Keep yourself busy, don’t fall into drinking routines
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Start some different activities
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Eat before you go out to drink
Read the University information leaflet on alcohol and drugs for further information. Alternatively contact the University Health Service specialist Alcohol Councillors for further support and advice.
t: +44 (0)115 846 8888
Smoking - kick the habit
There can be a lot of social pressure to start smoking as a student, and it is important to think about the harmful risks before taking up the habit. The risks of smoking:
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increases your risk of lung cancer and heart disease
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prematurely ages the skin by up to 20 years
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causes impotence and reduced sperm count in men and reduces fertility in women
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can lead to gum disease, makes the body store fat around the waist
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increases the risk of cellulite
For information on how to quit visit the NHS Smokefree website or contact the Nottingham New Leaf stop smoking service.
Drug abuse
Substance misuse is on the increase and is dangerous. It causes huge problems to people’s health, careers, finances, relationships and criminal records. From violence, criminal behaviour, psychoses, assaults and rape, to anxiety, insomnia, flashbacks and paranoia.
If you would like further information on drug abuse and where to get help visit The University Health Services website or download the University Drug and Alcohol leaflet.
Where to get help, support and advice