Is substance use affecting your relationships?
Making connections with others is an important part of the university experience. Drinking alcohol or using other drugs are sometimes seen as a vehicle for socializing*. Its helpful to consider how these might impact the relationships you want to have.
Alcohol and other drugs modify our moods and our behavior. They can cause some people to feel less inhibited or to respond differently to social cues and situations. If you泭choose to use them, youre going to feel different than you do when you are not under the influence, and you may do things you泭otherwise wouldnt. Whether its not thinking clearly or acting in ways that may be harmful to yourself泭or others, there are sometimes adverse outcomes from substance use. 泭
A student shares: Substance use and relationships泭
Sara**,泭a senior here at CU, knows firsthand how substances took a toll on her friendship and how that same friendship helped her to make a change in her life. When she was using alcohol and other drugs, she says, I was really mean there for a couple months ... my brain wasnt functioning well, I wasnt eating well, I wasnt drinking water, I would snap at others and push them away ...泭it wasnt me.
While she was using substances, she was erratic and not being the person she knew herself to be.
Checking in with a friend
Saras friend noticed these behaviors and recognized there might be a bigger problem. Youve been really isolated recently ...泭and Im really worried about you, she said.
Having her friend reach out helped Sara feel supported in making a change. She now feels healthier and more connected on a path of recovery. Its strengthened our relationship [to have her] there and supporting me the whole way, she says.
Reflecting on how substance use impacts us and our relationships is a good way to explore whether theres a problem. It can be helpful to think about actions in terms of valuesdo our friends actions align with the person we know they are? Does how you act align with who you want to be? How do you feel after an experience involving alcohol or other drugs?
If the answers to these questions suggest someone is living outside of his or her values, it might be a sign something needs to be addressed.
Its also good to consider how often people may be using substances, or if they have difficulty stopping. If someones plans seem to always revolve around using or getting alcohol or other drugs it might be time to explore the free support resources and opportunities for CU students.
Free resources and social options for students
For social opportunities that can help someone to make connections or explore interests that dont involve substance use, check out the student organizations with the泭, the泭泭棗娶泭.泭Check out the泭Fri-Yay Nights, a weekly event series where people can make connections and build community while attending a variety of events.
If youd like to talk to someone about helping a friend or yourself with substance use, peer mentors, free support meetings and recovery, coaches are available through the泭CU Collegiate Recovery Center, located in UMC 414.
Counselors泭also are available through泭Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)泭in C4C N352, or you can drop by for an informal consultation at one of CAPS泭Lets Talk泭locations across campus. CAPS also offers a泭Relationship Hacks workshop泭where students can learn skills around interpersonal relationships.
Health Promotion泭also offers a泭variety of classes泭to support students as they reflect on their relationship with substance use.
*It is illegal to consume alcohol or marijuana under the age of 21, to use prescription drugs if you are not the prescription-holder泭or to use other illegal substances.
**Name changed to protect privacy.