At the University of North Dakota, conversations about drug and substance use are gaining momentum as students prepare for spring break and the rest of the semester. Experts, peer educators, and campus partners are working to keep these conversations open, informative, and rooted in real experiences.
According to UND’s Wellness & Health Promotion office, substance use is something many students encounter in a college community, but awareness, education, and support can make a difference in personal safety and well-being. UND’s Substance Use Awareness website notes that most of its students report low or no use of tobacco and alcohol, and many choose to abstain entirely in a typical semester. Still, the university stresses that understanding risks and resources is critical to student health.
“Substance use happens in a college community,” UND’s wellness professionals say. “But there are proactive choices students can make to ensure their own personal safety.”
From dangerous binge drinking to the risks of mixing alcohol with other substances, online resources cover what various substances are, why some students use them, and how to protect yourself from harm. Information ranges from the definition of binge drinking, which is typically four or more drinks for females and five or more for males over a short period. It also gives strategies for reducing harm, such as setting drink limits and staying with friends.
The university’s health messaging emphasizes that reliance on substances often links to stress, social anxiety, or attempts to “fit in.” According to UND’s wellness team, healthier ways to cope include building social networks through clubs and events, talking with peers, setting healthy boundaries, exploring a new hobby, counseling or trying new hobbies and physical activity.
Student Health Services also plays a role in supporting students through medical and psychiatric care. As a full-service clinic, it offers confidential appointments for physical and mental health concerns and provides a safe place for students to address substance-related issues.
To encourage conversation and peer-to-peer engagement, UND Wellness & Health Promotion is hosting an ASAP Student Roundtable on Wednesday, March 18 from 3–4:30 p.m. The event will focus on substance use, safety, consent, and how to minimize risk while making healthier choices on campus. Students are encouraged to participate in this facilitated discussion to share concerns, ask questions, and connect with campus resources.
The roundtable is part of the university’s broader Awareness, Safety, Action and Prevention (ASAP) campaign. It’s dedicated to promoting healthy behaviors and educating the UND community about substance use risks. It also brings together staff from counseling services, peer educators, and student leaders to create an open environment where students can learn from one another.
UND’s approach isn’t just about warning students of dangers but offering practical tools and support systems. For example, peer education programs, bystander intervention training, and campus presentations help students recognize high-risk situations and act safely when they see a friend in trouble. It also informs students that addiction is not the only risk you face when abusing substances. Depression, weight gain, anxiety, lower academic performance, and potential heart issues are also possible when you abuse a substance.
College life can be full of transitions and pressures, and UND’s resources are designed to give students the information and support they need to make choices that support academic success and long-term health. For more information on substance use education, health services or upcoming wellness events like the ASAP roundtable, students can visit the Wellness Center or Student Health Services online.
Rachel Held is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at rachel.s[email protected].
