Frequently Asked Questions
"Doesn't everybody drink?"
 
It often seems as though most students drink, and drink frequently. At Caltech, this is not the case. There is a complete range of drinking behavior on our campus. Over 40% of Caltech undergraduate students reported that they had not drank alcohol in the past year. (For more information, see Drug and Alcohol Survey Report.) Approximately 13.7% of Caltech graduate students reported abstaining from alcohol in the past year. Only 13.5% of undergraduate and 42.5% of graduate students actually drink once a week or more.

So why does drinking seem to occur so much more? Think about it. We notice drinkers more. It is less obvious to see that many people are not drinking. A small proportion of those who drink are especially apparent to us when they have a clear reaction to alcohol by becoming moody, loud, argumentative, or physically sick.

 
 
"Why do people use alcohol or other drugs?"
 
There are numerous reasons people use alcohol or other drugs. These may include attempts to reduce stress, feel more comfortably socially, connect to others, forget about problems, numb out, regulate moods and feelings, or to have a mind-expanding experience. However, the use of drugs often creates the opposite effect. Some people, due to biological and genetic factors, find certain substances are especially rewarding to them. This biological susceptibility increases their risk of becoming dependent on the substance.
 
 
"What is so harmful about drugs?"
 
Alcohol and other drug use carries the potential for drug dependence and long-term damage to one's body, mind, emotions, and relationships. Drugs have various levels of risk for the user, depending upon the particular drug, dosage, route of administration, capacity for interaction with other drugs, environmental context, and individual qualities of the user, such as sex, weight, psychological mindset, and drug tolerance. Chronic drug use can alter brain chemistry, affect organs and other vital parts of one's body, cause or increase depression, and create a devastating tangle of legal, social, and self-esteem problems.
 
 
"What is the difference between drug abuse and drug dependence?"
 
Both drug abuse and drug dependence produce harmful effects; despite these negative consequences, however, the drug is still sought out and used. In cases of drug abuse, substances may be used more sporadically and irregularly. Abusers may "binge" on alcohol or other drugs on certain occasions. Drug dependence is considered to be more severe than drug abuse, because dependence means that tolerance has developed (whether physical or psychological), and cessation of drug use results in withdrawal symptoms.
 
 
"Do I have a problem?"
 
There are numerous questionnaires and self-tests available that can be used to help you decide whether or not you have a problem with alcohol or other drugs. You can take the AUDIT test here, for example. Most of these types of tests were designed to measure substance dependence, which may not adequately identify less severe problems. For example, questionnaires measuring dependence upon alcohol or other drugs might ask about changes in physiological tolerance, blackouts, and delerium tremens, otherwise known as the "shakes."

Identifying substance abuse or problem use is another matter. The particular consequences of problem use are not always as apparent. These consequences of course vary from person to person, but some common ones might be feeling guilty or upset after drinking or using, regretting things you did or said while under the influence, becoming unusually emotional (such as crying or becoming very angry), or experiencing a negative impact on your work, academic performance, or personal relationships.

The most important determinant of whether or not you have a problem probably relates to why you are asking this question in the first place. What are your particular concerns? Are you uncomfortable with your substance use? Have you noticed any negative consequences? Have others (friends, family, RA) been concerned about you? An honest evaluation might help you to understand the effect substances are having upon your life.

 
 
"If I have a problem, will I be told to stop drinking?"
 
The solution to problem drinking is not necessarily abstinence. Some people can learn to better manage their use of alcohol so that it no longer results in the same negative consequences for them. Other people have found that they cannot stop drinking once they start, eliminating their chances of learning to manage non-abusive social drinking. In any case, it is not the role of the Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program to tell you to stop drinking. Rather, you will be encouraged to evaluate your own situation and determine what you need to do to effect more positive outcome. The Program will help you to do this, but in the end, you will have to decide how you want to live.
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