SUBSTANCE USE

Drugs and Alcohol

Student Health Services recognizes drug and alcohol dependency as treatable conditions and offers services to assist in obtaining treatment. Nine out of 10 excessive drinkers are not dependent on alcohol. Excessive and binge drinking are most common among 18-24 year old men. Social drinking for men is defined as less than 14 drinks per week and no more than 4 drinks on any day; for women less than 7 drinks per week and no more than 3 drinks in one day. The Student Health Services staff can discuss ways to drink sociably and how to prevent negative consequences.

For more information:

Drug use can create challenges to students’ academic success. A recent survey of SRJC students indicated that 16% of male students were smoking marijuana daily. Any daily use can create habit and dependency. Student Health Center Nurse Practitioners and Behavioral Health Interns can assist you in evaluating drug use and accessing the services listed below for support and treatment if needed.

Resources for Drug and Alcohol Support and Treatment

Smoking Cessation Information

THE BENEFITS OF QUITTING

Research shows that 80% of smokers would like to quit. Student Health Services provides one-on-one visits with Nurse Practitioners who can assist you in cutting down and quitting smoking, chewing, or using other forms of tobacco, including e-cigarettes. The benefits of quitting tobacco include:

  • Increased energy throughout the day
  • Improved self-esteem
  • More money for other things
  • More oxygen to the body
  • Lower anxiety and stress levels
  • Increased ability to smell and taste
  • Whiter teeth
  • Fresher breath
  • Increased productivity
  • Healthy lungs, deeper breathing
  • Improved circulation in the body
  • Ability to exercise increases
  • Longer life
  • Improved quality of life

Read about SRJC non-smoking policy. We can also assist you in making connections to the support services below:

California Smoker’s Helpline: Help to quit by phone, FREE phone counseling and quit kits provided. Special programs for teens, pregnant women and chewing tobacco from the California Department of Public Health.

  • English 1-800-NO BUTTS
  • Spanish 1-800-456-6386
  • Chewers 1-800-844-CHEW
  • TDD/TTY 1-800-933-4833

Sonoma County Department of Health Services: For information on tobacco cessation class referrals, tobacco education, or to report a violation of tobacco laws call 707-565-6680.

Northern California Center for Well-Being: 365 Tesconi Circle, Suite B, Santa Rosa.
Call 707-575-6043 to register for Smoking Cessation Classes
- Classes meet 8 times in 7 weeks.

Quit Smoking for the last time! ONE SESSION workshop:

  • Develop a quit plan
  • learn about use of medications
  • strategize to avoid relapse.

Cost: Sliding scale based on income. Some insurances may cover costs.

Nicotine Anonymous Support Group

  • Ongoing support groups for anyone who wants to quit tobacco or support to stay tobacco-free.
  • Speakers available for community groups on smoking cessation.
  • Monday nights in Petaluma from 7:00 - 8:00 pm, Church of Christ, 370 Sonoma Mountain Parkway.

Contact: Terry at 707-664-9335.

NARCAN® and Opioid Overdose

Learning the warning signs of opioid overdose and how to use naloxone (Narcan®) can save lives. 

Naloxone is a life-saving medication used to reverse an opioid overdose, including heroin, fentanyl and prescription opioid medications. Naloxone can be quickly given through nasal spray (Narcan®) in the nose, or through an injectable or auto-injector into the outer thigh or another major muscle. Naloxone is safe and easy to use, works almost immediately, and is not addictive. Naloxone has very few negative effects, and has no effect if opioids are not in a person’s system. (Read More, CA Dept of Public Health)

Narcan® is available free to students at Student Health Services.

The web sites above are not meant to replace a visit with a health provider, but to provide additional information that you may find helpful.

Finding and maintaining health and life balance is challenging. You have the power to make choices that can either enhance or detract from your general well-being. We are here to help you make the best decisions concerning your physical, social and mental health.