Alcohol

REALITY: Using alcohol as a crutch for social situations can lead to worsening social anxiety, an underdeveloped personality, and a loss of sense of self. Try to surround yourself with people who love you for who you are, not who you become when you drink. There are plenty of fun activities on and off campus that don't involve drinking - seek out another outlet, let your personality grow, and form relationships on authenticity, not alcohol.

REALITY: Though many people use alcohol to help themselves loosen up in social situations, most people aren't drinking heavily. The perception that all college students drink heavily is incorrect, with surveys showing that far fewer students drink excessive amounts of alcohol regularly.

REALITY: Mixing substances like alcohol and marijuana has what scientists call an "additive effect." This means you'll feel the intoxication from both. So while you may feel mellow, you are actually increasing your level of intoxication and impairment, which can lead to endangering yourself or others. 

REALITY: Studies show that one person's drinking habits can affect an average of five people other than the drinker. Think about your roommate, who might wake up if you are stumbling into the dorm intoxicated. Or your partner, who you may get into fights more frequently with when you're drinking. Or your classmates, who may have to pick up the slack for you on a group project if you are hungover. If your drinking is affecting other people around you, there may be reason to be concerned. 

REALITY: Stonehill has a wealth of club teams, sports, student groups and service organizations on campus - there is something for everyone! And, the best part is, if you can't find a club that interests you, you can petition to SGA to start a new one! You may be surprised to find out how many people are involved in extracurricular activities that don't involve drinking. Also, there is the FUN FUND, which allows students to plan fun events on or off campus that do not involve drinking (think bowling, going to a play, etc.), while Stonehill provides the funding. If you're struggling to find your place, please reach out to someone on campus that you trust.

REALITY: Your drinking habits can keep you from attending class, studying regularly, or getting involved in a career-oriented club or internship. Plus, if you're thinking of going to grad school, you still need to be making the grade so that your transcript looks good to graduate schools. One other thing to keep in mind: even though no one goes to school intending to become an alcoholic, heavy drinking behavior in college can ultimately lead some people to full-blown alcoholism after college.

REALITY: Maybe, maybe not. Children who grow up in homes with parental alcoholism are three to four times more likely to become alcoholics themselves. Though this doesn't mean you'll definitely have an alcohol problem if one of your parents does, it does mean you should pay special attention to your behavior. 

REALITY: Drinking with other people doesn't make you a social drinker. Social drinkers might drink regularly but they don't get drunk. Nor does a social drinker exhibit any of the clinical signs of addiction to alcohol like out-of-control behavior while under the influence, inability to control alcohol cravings, and severe memory loss, like blackouts.