Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs
At SHOP, we believe you can enjoy a fun and social college experience without putting yourself or others at risk. That includes partying safely, drinking without binging or blacking out, and experimenting without risking a synergistic overdose, which happens when two or more substances combine to create a stronger, more dangerous effect than either alone. We also believe in caring for yourself and your peers, and that you deserve honest, factual, and non-judgmental answers to your questions.
SHOP offers:
- Harm reduction supplies: free naloxone (Narcan) and fentanyl test strips to prevent overdose
- Workshops and tabling run by our Party Safe team.
- Free 1:1 Wellness Coaching (please note that while we are required to report Title IX violations, we do not report substance use)
- Support for those looking to use more safely, reduce use, or explore sobriety
Alcohol & Other Drug Information
If your drug and alcohol education was just D.A.R.E. or Red Ribbon Week, you might still have some questions. Learn more about how different substances affect your body, impact your health, and how to stay safe.
Developing a Party Plan
Whether you are hosting a party or going to a rave, we at SHOP believe that you can turn up without putting yourself or others in danger. Find out how!
Harm Reduction Support
One of the major causes of overdose on college campuses nationwide is the unintentional ingestion of opiates. Find out how to keep yourself and your friends safe.
How to help a friend
If you’re worried about a friend’s use of alcohol or other substances, this page gives you practical guidance for recognizing danger signs and offering support.
Recovery
In recovery? Sober-curious? Looking for activities that don’t involve alcohol or drugs? You are not alone. Check out our resources for exploring and maintaining sobriety while in college.
UCSC Policies You Should Know
UCSC is required to abide by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989. However, the campus is committed to keeping students safe and supported. Check out the links below to better understand campus policies.
- If you or a friend have a medical emergency while using substances, even if you are underage or using illegal drugs, you are covered under the Responsible Action Plan (also known as “medical amnesty”) if you seek assistance. This means, you will not have anything placed on your record if you seek help for yourself or a friend from a UCSC staff person.
- If you experience a sexual assault or sexual violence and were using substances or drinking while underage at the time, you will receive medical amnesty if you report the incident and a conduct record will not be created.
- UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.
- Even though it is legal at the state-level, cannabis is not legal at the federal-level, meaning cannabis is not legal on campus.