Alcohol and Other Drugs Risk Reduction

The goal of our alcohol and other drugs risk-reduction program is to provide comprehensive programming and resources for the prevention and reduction of alcohol and drug-related harms. We do this by utilizing evidence-based approaches that focus on environmental strategies and high-risk behavior. For more information, call (269) 387-3263.

What to know

• Alcohol: do the math
  one drink = 12 oz. beer
  one drink = 4 to 5 oz. of wine
  one drink = 1 oz. of hard alcohol
• High Risk drinking is defined as consuming five or more drinks on one occasion

• Our body metabolizes approximately one alcoholic drink per hour—there is no way of speeding it up

   

• Cannabis - do the math

  1-3 hours for full effect, 4-6 hour duration depending on THC level
  Edibles are highly potent and can have a greater risk for negative effects 
  Use slowly and in a safe environment                                                                                                          

Making safe choices

• Drink no more than one drink per hour
• Follow dosage levels on Cannabis labels for edibles
• If you are going somewhere, make sure to have a designated driver
• Try not to drink or use when you are having emotional distress—do something else: exercise, call a friend, read a book or find a way to relax

Plan ahead

• Eat before you drink anything
• Ask a friend to keep an eye on you
• Set a limit
• Prepare your refusal strategies