Substance Abuse & Compulsive Behavior Resources

Like other universities, the use of alcohol and other drugs is common at NCSU and is, for many students, an intrinsic part of the social scene. This often makes it difficult to tell when a student has a substance abuse problem, as opposed to social drinking and recreational drug use. Similar to older adults who abuse substances, students are often quick to deny a problem with alcohol and/or drugs and may refuse to seek help even when confronted with clear evidence of their problem. Thus, many students who seek help at the Counseling Center for substance abuse are referred after a judicial or legal infraction. The Counseling Center employs one substance abuse specialist who counsels and evaluates students with these concerns. A student with a suspected problem can be assessed by this specialist and then referred to an appropriate alcohol/drug treatment program.

If you feel you may be experiencing a problem with Substance Abuse, Contact the Counseling Center at 515-2423 or come by the center to set up an initial appointment. Also, for a screening for Substance Abuse, see the Online Screening Section of our website.

Alcohol Abuse

Many of us tend to postpone accepting or even deny that drinking is becoming a problem for us or for those close to us. Problem drinking usually arises from problems we have in handling stress in our daily lives.

Marijuana Abuse

The most widespread and frequently used illicit drug, marijuana is associated with the following consequences:

In addition, years of marijuana use can lead to a loss of ambition and an inability to carry out long-term plans or to function effectively.

These Drugs are so addictive because they activate many regions of the brain particularly the regions that are responsible for producing both the pleasurable sensation of "reward" and physical dependence. Together, these actions account for the user's loss of control and the drug's habit-forming action.

Prescription drugs make complex surgery possible, relieve pain for millions of people, and enable many individuals with chronic medical conditions to control their symptoms and lead productive lives. Most people who take prescription medications use them responsibly. However, the non-medical use of prescription drugs is a serious public health concern. Nonmedical use of prescription drugs like opioids, central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and stimulants can lead to abuse and addiction, characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use.

Club drugs are being used by young adults at all-night dance parties such as "raves" or "trances," dance clubs, and bars. MDMA (Ecstasy), GHB, Rohypnol, ketamine, methamphetamine, and LSD are some of the club or party drugs gaining popularity. NIDA-supported research has shown that use of club drugs can cause serious health problems and, in some cases, even death. Used in combination with alcohol, these drugs can be even more dangerous. No club drug is benign.

Nicotine is highly addictive. Nicotine provides an almost immediate “kick” because it causes a discharge of epinephrine from the adrenal cortex. This stimulates the central nervous system, and other endocrine glands, which causes a sudden release of glucose. Stimulation is then followed by depression and fatigue, leading the abuser to seek more nicotine.

When your exercise controls you, instead of the other way around. When, no matter the circumstances or previous commitments, you must get a workout in today. When, in spite of a nagging injury that you feel ill-equipped to allow time to heal, you batter it with today's scheduled workout, and then lament your body's shortcomings. When you think and talk about nothing but your running.

The essential feature of compulsive gambling is the chronic and progressive failure to resist impulses to gamble. It persistently disrupts personal, family, or vocational pursuits. Compulsive gamblers are preoccupied with gambling; they consider gambling to be a source of action and excitement, not just money.

Internet Addiction is a broad term covering a wide-variety of behaviors and impulse control problems. It is important to understand that there are at least five specific types of Internet addiction:

Like most behaviors, sex can be taken to its obsessive (thoughts) and compulsive (behaviors) extremes. Sexual obsessions and compulsions are recurrent, distressing and interfere with daily functioning.

Self-injurious behaviors are behaviors that people intentionally engage in that cause physical bodily harm to themselves. Self-harm is often carried out when individuals attempt to deal with difficult or overwhelming emotions, and are not sure how to more effectively manage their emotions. Self-injury may take on several forms, most commonly cutting, scraping, burning, biting or hitting.

Alcohol Abuse Marijuana Abuse Barbiturates & Cocaine Abuse Prescription Drugs Designer or "Club" Drugs Smoking Cessation Exercise Addiction Gambling Addiction Internet Addiction Sexual Compulsive Behavior Self-Injurious Behavior "Cutting"

Alcohol Abuse

Marijuana Abuse

Alcohol Abuse
Marijuana Abuse
Barbiturates & Cocaine Abuse
Prescription Drugs
Designer or "Club" Drugs
Smoking Cessation
Exercise Addiction
Gambling Addiction
Internet Addiction
Sexual Compulsive Behavior
Self-Injurious Behavior "Cutting"