Safety

5 things to know if you regularly use THC

Lynia Herrington — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +0000

5 things to know if you regularly use THC Lynia Herrington Thu, 04/10/2025 - 23:00

In college you may or may not choose to experiment with THC, whether medically, recreationally or as a part of your daily life.

Your wellness matters, and you have the power to choose your if and how to use. Health & Wellness Services is here to support you.

1. Know your 'why'

Like any substance, it’s important to be mindful of your motivations and intentions around your use. You may choose to use THC for a variety of reasons, including:

Relieving stress or anxiety
Relaxing
Socializing or bonding with friends
Sleeping
Medicinal benefits
Something else

If you choose to use THC, try identifying your ‘why.’ Reflecting on the reasons for use can help you stay mindful and evaluate the wanted and unwanted impacts it may be having on your life.

2. Recognize signs of tolerance, dependency and withdrawl

Regular THC use can lead to changes in your body and brain, including tolerance, dependency and withdrawal symptoms.

Tolerance

Using a substance over time can build tolerance. Tolerance is a sign that the brain is changing in response to regular THC use. This can show up in a number of different ways including:

Not feeling as high as you did when you first started
Needing to use more frequently
Needing higher potency (like using concentrates rather than flower)
Using a higher dose or quantity to feel the same high

If you experience symptoms of tolerance, you may consider taking a tolerance break (t-break) to help reduce your tolerance and cravings. If you use THC most days, consider taking a break from using it for about 21 days. This will help much of the THC leave your system and reset your body’s baseline.

Dependency and withdrawal

Dependence happens when your brain has changed enough that not using THC can result in unwanted and uncomfortable symptoms, including withdrawal.

Identifying THC dependence can be tricky, because some of the top reasons people use THC are driven by withdrawal symptoms. For example:

Those who use to reduce stress and anxiety may experience worsening symptoms of anxiety, restlessness and depression when they stop or reduce their use due to withdrawal.
Those who use to sleep may also have increased insomnia when not using, due to withdrawal, and lack quality sleep when they do use.

Additional symptoms of THC withdrawal can include things like:

Anger, irritability and aggression
Nervousness and anxiety
Restlessness
Decreased appetite or weight
Depression
Cravings or a strong urge to use again
Sleep issues like insomnia, unsettling dreams or lack of quality sleep
Tremors
Headaches and sweating
Abdominal pain or discomfort, nausea and vomiting

Knowing what withdrawal symptoms look like and how they may be showing up for you can help you evaluate whether you are being affected by THC dependence. If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms after pausing or stopping your THC use, you may be experiencing dependency and withdrawal.

3. Take note of other impacts

While withdrawal symptoms are an important part in identifying dependency, THC use can have impacts on other areas of your life, too, including:

Relationships
Work
Academic performance
Mental health
Finances
Recreation or hobbies
Legal concerns

Craving or ‘needing’ THC despite these impacts can be an additional sign of tolerance or dependence.

4. Be mindful of your mental health

If you or your friends use THC regularly, it’s important to be mindful of how THC can impact mental health. Regular THC use is correlated with a number of concerns, including:

Worsening existing mental health conditions
Increased suicidal ideation and attempts
Losing touch with reality
Delusions and paranoia
Hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there
Disorganized thinking and speech

While some of these experiences are part of the high, they can also be connected to increased psychosis, where individuals lose touch with reality.

If you are worried about someone’s safety, call 911 right away. It’s also important to keep in mind that CU �鶹ӰԺ’s Amnesty Policy and Colorado’s Good Samaritan Law can protect those who call for help in drug-related emergencies.

If you are concerned about yourself or a friend, but they are not in immediate danger, you can also call Counseling and Psychiatric Services at their 24/7 support line (303-492-2277). They can provide information and suggestions about what to do.

5. Consider your use moving forward

Being mindful of the wanted and unwanted impacts of THC is necessary to help you make more informed choices about how you use. Cannabis impacts everyone differently, and there are many ways to modify your current use, including:

Cutting back (using less often)
Using lower potency THC
Using a less THC per occasion
Taking a break (t-break)
Seeking recovery
Connecting with outside support

If you would like help exploring your relationship with THC, Health Promotion offers free substance use workshops for all students. The Collegiate Recovery Community also provides weekly support meetings, substance-free activities and other resources for individuals pursuing or in recovery.

You can also sign up to participate in the CUChange LOTUS Study, which aims to investigate whether CBD could be a viable intervention for people who want to quit or significantly reduce their consumption fo high potency THC concentrates.

Check out these five things to know if you regularly use THC.

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Drinking and sex: Tricky questions (and surprising answers)

Emily Sampl — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Drinking and sex: Tricky questions (and surprising answers) Emily Sampl Wed, 04/02/2025 - 00:00

Sometimes drinking can lead to unintended consequences (like hooking up with a roommate or kissing your ex). Navigating sex can be complicated, especially if alcohol or other drugs are involved.

Here are answers to some of the trickier questions around drinking, sex and consent.

What is consent and how is it given?

Consent is when people mutually agree to engage in sexual activities, whether it’s kissing, touching or sex. Consent consists of words or actions that create a clear understanding of what’s desired. It’s essential for making sex pleasurable.

It’s important to establish consent before fooling around. Consent is about setting personal boundaries and respecting the boundaries of others. It’s important to check in if you’re unsure or things seem unclear.

Here are some consent essentials:

No one should be incapacitated by drugs or alcohol.
Someone can change their mind at any time during a sexual encounter and that choice must be respected.
Agreements are conditional. For instance, if you consent to sex with a condom and your partner doesn’t use one, that’s not consent.
Consenting to one sexual activity doesn’t mean you’ve consented to others. For instance, just because you are making out with someone doesn’t mean that you’ve automatically consented to have sex with them.

Is sex always considered nonconsensual when people have been drinking?

No. The use of alcohol or other drugs, in and of itself, doesn’t automatically mean a person is unable to consent. However, alcohol and drugs make it more difficult for someone to notice their own boundaries, other’s boundaries and clearly consent. When in doubt, it’s best to hold off on engaging in any sexual activity. Additionally, substance use cannot be used as a defense against allegations of sexual misconduct.

If you and your partner have been drinking at all, it’s best to check in verbally before having sex and during sex.

Ask things like:

"How much have you had to drink?"
"Are you feeling buzzed or drunk?"
"Are you feeling sober enough for sex or should we hold off?
Do you still feel like you’re in a good headspace for hooking up?
Do you want to keep going?
Do you want to stop?

Listen to your partner, pay attention to nonverbal cues and respect their boundaries. If they have difficulty responding to questions or aren't answering directly, stop until you know clearly what they want.

How much does someone need to drink before they can no longer give consent?

The impact of alcohol and other drugs varies from person to person. However, if someone is incapacitated for whatever reason, they are no longer able to give consent.

Incapacitation is a state where someone cannot make a rational, reasonable decision because they may lack the capacity to understand the “who, what, where, when and why” of a sexual interaction. Incapacitation is often associated with alcohol or other drug use, but it can also involve other factors like sleep, illness, injury or disability. Here are some signs that indicate a person may be incapacitated and is unable to give consent:

Disorientation. Someone may lose track of where they are or who they are with, seem confused, forget basic information or repeat themselves (lack of short-term memory).
Loss of motor control. Someone may have difficulty performing tasks like inserting a key into a lock, getting something out of their wallet, walking on their own or dressing and undressing themselves.
Unconsciousness. Someone may be unconscious, which includes being asleep.

If these factors are present, consent is not possible regardless of what the person is saying or doing.

Engaging in sexual activity when someone could have understood the other person to be incapacitated is considered sexual assault.

What if people are in a relationship?

In many relationships, consent doesn’t always entail an explicit conversation about sex every time it happens. However, romantic or sexual involvement with someone doesn’t give that person permission to have unwanted sex or contact with someone. The inability for there to be consent when someone is incapacitated still applies even in relationships.

What if people want to have sex while under the influence?

Intentionally choosing to be under the influence of alcohol or another drug while having sex may be something to discuss with your partner when you are both sober. Because consent is ongoing, people who while sober agreed to an intoxicated sexual experience can still change their mind once they are high or tipsy. Alcohol and other drugs can impact the way we communicate, which makes checking in with yourself and with your partner even more important.

If you or your partner become so high or drunk that either one of you are incapacitated (disoriented, loss of motor control, unconscious) or unable to make decisions, sex needs to stop. In that case, consent is not possible.

Campus resources

Don’t Ignore It is an online resource to explore your options for seeking confidential support, reporting concerns and learning skills for helping others. If something seems off, it probably is – don’t ignore it.

The Office of Victim Assistance (OVA) provides free and confidential trauma-focused counseling and advocacy support to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as staff and faculty. They can help people navigate resources, explore all their different rights and options and/or help with processing and healing from the impact of the experience.

The Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC) implements and enforces university policies around sexual misconduct, intimate partner abuse and stalking, among other unwelcome behaviors. If you or someone you know in the CU community has been impacted, reports can be filed online. Individuals can also report something anonymously to OIEC.

Navigating sex can be complicated, especially if alcohol or other drugs are involved. Here are answers to some of the trickier questions around drinking, sex and consent.

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5 things everyone should know about sexual assault

Lynia Herrington — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

5 things everyone should know about sexual assault Lynia Herrington Wed, 03/26/2025 - 00:00

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Check out upcoming events

Sexual assault is all too common in our society and can have lasting impacts on individuals and communities.

Here are five things everyone should know about sexual assault.

1. Sexual assault can happen to anyone

People who commit sexual assault take advantage of vulnerable situations to exert power and entitlement over someone else’s body.

The reality is that most sexual assaults are carried out by people who know the person they assault, including:

Friends
Acquaintances
Classmates
Co-workers
Partners
Exes
Neighbors
Dates
Someone they met online or at a party

This often contradicts what people believe about who commits sexual assault and can make it more difficult to recognize when an assault happens.

Sexual assault can happen to anyone, though because of oppression and discrimination, women, people with disabilities and those who are bisexual or transgender are disproportionately impacted.

2. Consent is key

Consent is an ongoing agreement that people arrive at together. Consent can include words or actions that create mutual understanding and articulate acceptance to participate in a particular sexual activity.

Consent must be established before people engage in a sexual activity and must be maintained while sex is happening. Each person needs the opportunity to set personal boundaries and to understand the boundaries of others.

Here are a few essential things to know about consent:

Regardless of relationship status or sexual history, consent is required for every sexual encounter.
Body language, words and other non-verbal cues are all acceptable ways to demonstrate non-consent. Tuning into these signals is key to avoid overstepping boundaries, even when a person doesn’t feel comfortable addressing them directly or explicitly.
Consent is mutual. For instance, if someone consents to sex with a condom but their partner doesn’t use one, that is not consent. (This behavior is often referred to as “stealthing”).
People can—and often do—change their minds about what they want to or are willing to do sexually. If you or a partner signal that they want an activity to stop, that choice must be respected.
Agreeing to one sexual activity doesn’t mean the person agrees to do another activity, the same activity at a different time or the same activity with a different person. For instance, making out with someone doesn’t mean they consent to other sexual activities.
Anyone who is incapacitated by alcohol, drugs or anything else cannot give consent, regardless of what they are saying or doing. Incapacitation is a state where someone cannot make a reasonable, rational decision because they lack the capacity to understand the “who, what, where, when or why” of a sexual interaction.

Learn more about affirmative consent

3. Sexual assault can include a wide range of experiences

Sexual assault includes any unwanted sexual contact or behaviors that a person did not, or was not able to, consent to.

This can include, but is not limited to, the following:

Unwanted penetration, including vaginal, anal or oral sex. This also includes penetration by an object or another person’s body part(s).
Unwanted touching of someone’s butt, breasts or genitals.

Keep in mind that attempted touching, contact and penetration are also considered sexual assault. Additional forms of sexual harm include sexual harassment, exploitation (e.g., sharing nudes, videotaping sexual acts without consent, etc.) as well as abuse by an intimate partner.

Both sexual assault and sexual misconduct refer to legal thresholds under campus policy and criminal law. Harmful sexual experiences can still happen outside of these parameters.

If you or someone you know isn’t sure whether an experience may have been sexual assault, confidential advocate counselors on campus are available for free and confidential consultations, trauma-focused counseling and support.

Advocate counselors with the Office of Victim Assistance (OVA) are here to help students, staff and faculty understand, heal and process their experiences as well as learn about their rights and options. Remember, you don’t have to know what to make of an experience to get support. Give them a call at 303-492-8855 or schedule an appointment.

4. Sexual assault can be prevented

Buffs should look out for each other, speak up about concerning behaviors and situations and take steps to create better interactions and a safer community.

Here are some ways to help improve and practice bystander skills:

Learn to identify high-risk situations
Keep an eye on people who hit on the drunkest person at a party, encourage others to over-drink, try to get a drunk person alone or away from their friends, are persistent about pursuing someone sexually or repeatedly commit low-level boundary violations. It’s not that people don’t understand consent, it’s that some people aren’t interested in honoring it.

Intervene in concerning situations
If you see someone in a potentially harmful or high-risk situation, you can do something to intervene. Bystanders are particularly important in situations where someone is being pursued by someone else because of their level of intoxication, or if a person has been intentionally drugged in an attempt to facilitate sexual assault.

Keep track of friends
At parties, high-proof alcohol mixed with sweet punch or juice might be served to increase the likelihood that people will become intoxicated. It’s common for those who perpetrate sexual assault to encourage alcohol consumption or target those who seem incapacitated. It’s important to check in with a friend if you observe any sudden changes (e.g., difficulty standing, disorientation, etc.) that might indicate they’ve had too much to drink.

Don’t leave someone behind
Commit to not ditching someone if they have too much to drink and/or become unwilling to stick with the plan to stay together. Sticking together decreases the likelihood that someone will have to rely on lesser-known friends or strangers to get home. It’s also important to consider whether someone who is offering to walk a person home or look after an intoxicated person is trustworthy or is potentially looking for access to someone who is vulnerable.

Trust your instincts
If a situation feels weird or wrong, it probably is. If you think someone’s behavior feels uncomfortable or unsafe, follow your gut. It’s okay to make up an excuse to interject or interrupt a situation that feels ‘off.’ You can act like you don’t feel well and need them to leave with you, you need them to check on a friend or you want them to go with you to get something to eat.

5. Support is available

Resources are available for those who have experienced sexual assault, who want to support friends and survivors, or who want to learn more about sexual assault prevention. Students often reach out to friends or family members first when something bad happens. Having the skills to respond effectively without blame or judgment is vital.

Learn more skills for supporting your friends through the aftermath of a traumatic event.

Here are some of the resources available to support survivors and friends at CU �鶹ӰԺ:

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)

Confidential resource

OVA provides free and confidential information, consultation, support, advocacy and short-term, trauma-focused counseling services for students, grad students, faculty and staff who have experienced a traumatic, disturbing or life-disruptive event, including sexual assault and harassment.

Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC)

OIEC implements and enforces university policies around sexual assault, intimate partner abuse and stalking, and other forms of sexual misconduct. If you or someone you know at CU has been impacted, reports can be filed online. Anonymous reporting is an option as well.

Don't Ignore It

Explore your options for seeking confidential support, reporting concerns and learning skills for helping others. If something seems off, it probably is—don't ignore it.

Medical Forensic Exams

Students who have experienced sexual assault can opt to have a medical forensic exam (MFE), which is conducted by a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE).

Mandatory reporting

All university employees who have the authority to hire, promote, discipline, evaluate, grade, formally advise or direct faculty, staff or students are considered "responsible employees" and are required to report alleged misconduct to the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC). This includes resident advisors, teaching assistants, professors, graduate instructors, academic advisors, coaches or other university employees with oversight authority.

Any sexual misconduct, intimate partner abuse (including dating and domestic violence), stalking, protected-class discrimination or harassment, or related retaliation disclosed to a responsible employee must be reported to OIEC. The person impacted has the choice about whether and how they want to proceed. Reporting is required to help ensure that people understand their rights and options and the resources available.

Note: Confidential campus resources are exempt from CU �鶹ӰԺ’s mandatory reporting policy, including the Office of Victim Assistance (OVA), Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS), Psychological Health and Performance (PHP), Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) and Ombuds.

Learn more about mandatory reporting

Sexual assault is all too common in our society and can have lasting impacts on individuals and communities. As we recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April, here are five things everyone should know about sexual assault.

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4 ways to look out for your friends this weekend

Emily Sampl — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 17:27:15 +0000

4 ways to look out for your friends this weekend Emily Sampl Tue, 02/25/2025 - 10:27

De-stressing and letting loose with friends can be fun. However, it’s also important to keep your group together and ensure everyone makes it home safely. Here are some ways you can look out for your friends this weekend.

1. Nail down your plans

Who’s in your group? Identify who you want to go out with, and make sure everyone is on the same page in terms of what parties you want to attend or houses you want to go to. It’s usually best to choose a group of friends that you know will take care of you even if you’ve had too much to drink.

Stick together. Make a commitment to stick together and agree on how you will meet back up if you get separated. This can decrease the chances that someone in your group will have to rely on lesser-known friends or strangers to get home.

Check in with each other. It’s also important to establish a way to check in with each other throughout the night. Save each other’s cell phone numbers and consider starting a group chat, so you can communicate with each other in case someone needs help. You may also want to make sure that everyone has their sound on, so they don’t miss any important notifications from the group.

Share your location. Finally, make sure everyone knows where you’re all going. Google and Apple Maps are a great way to make sure everyone ends up where they’re supposed to be. If you do get separated, try using the “share my location” feature with the group, so they can find you and regroup. If plans change, make sure everyone knows and is in agreement.

2. Keep each other accountable

If you’re planning to drink (or use substances), make a commitment to watch out for each other and keep each other accountable. It can be helpful to set a limit before you go out, so your friends know when they may need to step in. In fact, 91% of students find it acceptable to let a friend know when they’ve had too much to drink.

You may also want to make an agreement with your group about discouraging each other from doing embarrassing or dangerous things at parties. For instance, if someone wants to ‘table smash’ you may want to pull them aside to share your concerns or pull them into a different activity. Similarly, if someone has drunk too much, it’s likely time to switch out their drinks for water or help them get home.

3. Know your out

Create a code word, sign or text emoji that means ‘get me out of this situation!’ Proactively keep an eye out for sketchy situations, especially if someone is intoxicated and may not be able to communicate their discomfort with the group.

This can include things like someone pursuing one of your friends in an unwanted or predatory way. Watch for people who hit on the drunkest person at a party, encourage others to drink, try to get a drunk person alone or away from their friends or are persistent about pursuing someone sexually.

If you see someone in a potentially harmful or high-risk situation, you can do something to intervene. Bystanders are particularly important in situations where someone is being targeted because of their level of intoxication, or if a person has been intentionally drugged at a party. Remember that impaired or incapacitated people are usually unable to protect or advocate for themselves.

4. Get home safe

Make sure everyone gets home safely.

Commit to not ditching someone if they have too much to drink or become unwilling to stick with your plans to stay together. Consider whether someone offering to walk a person home or look after someone who has had too much to drink is trustworthy and being helpful or is potentially looking for access to someone who is vulnerable.

Never leave someone behind with casual friends, people you just met or don’t know very well, especially when someone has been drinking or using other substances.

Resources

NightRide

Looking for a ride home? Give CU NightRide a try! This student-operated program provides free night-time transportation for all CU �鶹ӰԺ students, staff and faculty.

Free naloxone

Naloxone is an FDA-approved nasal spray that can be used to temporarily reverse opioid overdoses. Students can pick up naloxone for free on the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center.

Safer Night Out Buff Box

Students living in residence halls can order a free Buff Box full of safer night out supplies, including naloxone, fentanyl test strips, hydration packs and more.

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)

OVA provides free, confidential counseling, advocacy, information and referrals for students, staff and faculty. They specialize in addressing current, past, experienced and witnessed traumatic events, including sexual assault, violence, crime and more.

De-stressing and letting loose with friends can be fun. Here are some tips to make sure you and your friends make it home safe this weekend.

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3 things everyone should know about stalking

Emily Sampl — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0000

3 things everyone should know about stalking Emily Sampl Thu, 01/16/2025 - 00:00

January is Stalking Awareness Month

Popular culture, like shows and movies, can make it seem like persistence is the key to winning someone over. However, persistence can quickly turn into discomfort or fear when it’s unwelcome. Here are a few things everyone should know about stalking.

1. Stalking can take many forms

Stalking goes beyond following someone. It can include a variety of tactics, which may happen in person and/or online. Stalking is defined as a pattern of unwanted behavior, directed at a specific person, which causes that person to change their routine or feel afraid, threatened or in danger.

Examples of stalking behaviors include:

Continually sending unwanted communications (including emails, texts, phone calls, handwritten notes, etc.).
Catfishing or friending someone through fake accounts (including to harass or trick the person).
Watching or following someone from a distance or spying on someone with a listening device, camera, tracking device or GPS.
Waiting for someone or showing up at places where they know the person will be such as their home, workplace or outside of classrooms.
Repeatedly leaving unwanted gifts, notes or other objects at a person’s residence, work, car or other location.
Spreading rumors online and/or in person.
Posting messages or images of the person on social media or in discussion groups without permission.
Stealing or harming someone’s technological devices, schoolwork or other property, sentimental objects, people close to them or pets.
Entering someone’s home, lab, office or car and doing things to let someone know they had been there.
Hacking into someone’s social media, email or other accounts.
Contacting or using other people to get information about a person or to find them.

2. Stalking can happen to anyone

While stalking is often directed at a previous or current romantic partner, a person can also be stalked by roommates, friends, classmates, colleagues or someone they have never met or barely know, including matches on dating apps.

Here are some ways to identify healthy, unhealthy and concerning behaviors that may prompt someone to seek additional help or support:

Healthy behaviors are: When someone says “no” the other person respectfully leaves them alone and does not attempt to contact them again.
Unhealthy behaviors are: When someone says “no” the other person continues to contact them again and again.
Consider discussing with someone or documenting what is happening: When someone says “no” more than once and the other person tries to talk that person into saying “yes,” continues to contact them and/or contacts them more often.
People should consider seeking help from an advocate, the police or other professional: When they are contacted repeatedly, someone repeatedly shows up where they are, indirectly threatens them and/or does not take “no” for an answer.
Consider calling 911: When someone makes direct threats, tries to harm or directly harms the other person or damages their property or things they value (including pets).

3. Context is key

Gift giving, location tracking or sending multiple texts can be components of any relationship. It can feel really special for a roommate to bring a coffee just because they care or have friends checking an app to make sure someone got home safe. The key here is that these behaviors are wanted and help increase a sense of safety within the relationship instead of making someone feel untrusted or controlled.

From the outside, stalking may look innocuous, but to the person experiencing it, it makes them feel unsafe or threatened. The context of the behavior and the impact it has on the recipient is key.

Stalking violates CU’s campus policies and is considered a serious crime in Colorado. CU �鶹ӰԺ provides a number of reporting and support options for those experiencing stalking.

Support resources for students, staff and faculty

If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking behaviors, it’s important to connect them with appropriate support resources and services.

General support

The Don’t Ignore It website provides options for seeking confidential support on and off campus, skills for helping others and reporting options related to sexual misconduct, stalking, intimate partner abuse, harassment and discrimination, and if someone’s behavior is concerning.

Confidential support

Students, staff and faculty directly impacted by incidents like this, as well as witnesses and friends, can get confidential support and/or counseling through the Office of Victim Assistance (OVA) by calling 303-492-8855, stopping by their drop-in hours (see website for dates and times) or filling out a confidential request form online. This form will only be reviewed by OVA staff—the university will not be notified, and no investigative action will take place. If you would like to get in contact with an OVA advocate counselor, be sure to include your contact information. OVA advocate counselors can help individuals explore their rights and options, make a safety plan, explore the impact of the experience, discuss reporting options, review living situations and more.

University reporting

If you think you or a friend may be experiencing stalking, you can report it to CU’s Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC). OIEC can investigate concerns or address an incident through informal resolution options. Additionally, OIEC can provide safety and supportive measures, such as no contact orders, academic support remedies, housing adjustments and more. You can file a report with OIEC by calling 303-492-2127, emailing cureport@colorado.edu or filling out a report online.

Law enforcement reporting

Reporting to the police can take many forms and doesn’t have to lead to filing criminal charges. An informational or anonymous report is sometimes an option to make the police aware of the situation. Individuals may have the option to ask police to contact the person to give a verbal warning or press criminal charges. If stalking behaviors have occurred on campus, contact the CU �鶹ӰԺ Police Department. Otherwise, contact your local police department.

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Party smarter: 7 tips for navigating college parties

Emily Sampl — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Party smarter: 7 tips for navigating college parties Emily Sampl Wed, 01/08/2025 - 00:00

During your time at CU, you may find yourself at social events or parties that have alcohol or other substances. This guide offers practical tips and advice to help you navigate parties and stay safe.

1. Choose your own adventure

It's easy to assume that everyone drinks in college. However, it’s important to know that this stereotype doesn’t hold true. You know better than anyone what fun means to you. That’s why it’s important for you to actively choose to have the experience that you want.

If you choose not to drink or use substances, that’s okay. This doesn’t mean you have to miss out on social events or parties either. In fact, 96% of surveyed CU �鶹ӰԺ students support not drinking at parties.

2. Set limits

Limits aren’t just about how many drinks you have or substances you use. They can include a variety of strategies that can help you have wanted experiences and avoid unwanted experiences. Here are a few examples of limits you may set for yourself:

Social circle: Alcohol or other drug use can make anyone more vulnerable to unwanted experiences. If you’re invited out, be thoughtful about who you choose to surround yourself with. Choose people you trust and who will look out for you. Try to make a plan before you go out together. For instance, you may want to ensure everyone is on the same page about sticking together or helping each other get home safely. This can be particularly important if you are new to campus and haven’t formed close relationships yet.
Types of parties: What kinds of parties do you want to attend? In some cases, you may not be willing to go to large gatherings or participate in ‘party-hopping.’ Let your group know if you aren’t comfortable or want to find a different party to go to.
Party duration: Knowing when it’s time to leave can help ensure that you maintain control over your night. If you’re ready to go, check in with your group and identify resources to ensure everyone makes it home safely and nobody gets left behind.
Frequency: Parties are common, especially on the weekends. Setting limits around how often you drink, use substances or attend parties can help ensure that you avoid burnout and potential impacts in other areas of your life, like academic performance, extracurriculars and relationships. Consider limiting the number of events you attend each week or month.
Amount consumed: This is one of the most common limits people set for themselves. Keep in mind that substances affect everyone differently and knowing your limit is a learning process. Your limit may look different from those around you, and that’s okay. If you’re not sure what your limit is, start small. For instance, you can take a break between drinks to see how they make you feel before having more. Consider enlisting a friend to help you stick to a limit that works for you.

3. Master the art of saying “I'm good, thanks”

Whether you’re trying to avoid peer pressure or leave a party, it’s important to have some strategies under your belt. Consider potential exit strategies before you go out so you’re better prepared to use them. Here are some examples you can use:

Avoiding peer pressure

Fill your cup with water or a non-alcoholic beverage to show that you already have a drink and don’t need a refill.

Choose to participate in other activities that aren’t as focused on drinking, such as watching others play games or getting to know other people at the party.

Rely on your friends to help you if someone is being pushy about drinks or other substances. They may be able to intervene or redirect the situation, especially if you’re struggling to do it yourself.

Leaving a party

Before you attend a party or gathering, plan how you’ll get home. Make sure your friend group is on the same page, your phones are charged and you have enough money for transportation if needed.

If you’re feeling uncomfortable or want to go home, confide in your trusted friends. Let them know you’re ready to leave and ask someone to go with you.

You can always make up an excuse to get out of the party. It’s okay to say you have work in the morning, your roommate got locked out or you aren’t feeling well. Do what you need to take care of yourself.

Remember that your friends should always respect your decisions to slow down, stop or leave. If you’re feeling pressured by members of your group, consider seeking out another person you know to help you out of the situation.

4. Stick to one substance at a time

Using more than one substance at a time, including alcohol, medication or other drugs, can increase your risk of experiencing an overdose. The interactions between substances are often unpredictable and may impact you more than others. That’s why it’s important to stick to one substance at a time.

5. Be prepared for emergencies

Sometimes things can go badly or take an unexpected turn. This can include a person experiencing alcohol poisoning or an accidental overdose at a party. Knowing how to respond and get the person help can save their life.

If an emergency situation unfolds, here’s what you can do:

Watch for these signs:

Passed out or unresponsive
Slow or no breathing
Vomiting while passed out
Involuntary peeing or pooping
Pale/bluish or cool/clammy skin
Pinpoint (small) pupils
Making gurgling, wheezing or snoring sounds

How to respond:

Immediately call 911 and wait for help to arrive.
Make sure the person is in a safe area to avoid injury.
Turn the person on their side and put them in the recovery position.
Administer naloxone (even if you’re unsure about their condition).
Never leave a severely intoxicated person alone or with someone who is not a trusted friend.

Important policies to know

CU �鶹ӰԺ Amnesty Policy

Calling for help in an alcohol- or drug-related emergency means neither the person who calls for help nor the person who needs help will be subject to formal disciplinary sanctions by the university (i.e., probation, suspension, expulsion).

To be covered by the Amnesty Policy, a student must:

Call for help (911 or university staff).
Stay with the individual until help arrives.
Cooperate with staff and emergency responders.

911 Good Samaritan Law

A person is immune from criminal prosecution for an offense when they report, in good faith, an emergency drug or alcohol overdose to a law enforcement officer, the 911 system or a medical provider.

This same immunity applies to persons who remain at the scene of the event until a law enforcement officer, or an emergency medical responder arrives, or if the person remains at the facilities of the medical provider until a law enforcement officer, emergency medical responder or medical provider arrives. The immunity described above also extends to the person who suffered the emergency drug or alcohol overdose event.

6. Look out for others

The reality is that most sexual assaults are carried out by friends, acquaintances, partners, exes or by a person someone has met online or at a party. Pushing substances onto someone or pursuing someone who is intoxicated can be a common tactic for committing sexual assault.

If you’re at a party or out with friends, it’s important to keep an eye out for sketchy situations that may indicate that someone is trying to take advantage of another person through the use of alcohol or other drugs.

Watch out for someone who is:

Coercing or pressuring someone to consume more alcohol or drugs than they are comfortable with.
Initiating sexual contact with someone because they are intoxicated and less likely to resist.
Isolating someone who has had too much to drink or is having a negative drug experience.
Not telling someone what is in their drink or the type of dosage of drug they are ingesting.

If you notice these signs, be prepared to intervene or interrupt, even if you aren’t sure you're reading the situation correctly. You may need to help reconnect them with trusted friends or enlist others to help ensure they can get home safely.

Learn more about drug-facilitated sexual assault

7. Have fun

College can be a stressful time, and it’s important to take time to have some fun. Practicing these strategies can help you stay safe and enjoy your night out.

Resources

If you're looking to explore your relationship with substances, explore the impacts of alcohol and sex, register an upcoming party or connect with a recovery community, CU �鶹ӰԺ has resources that can help.

Party registration

Register your gathering to lessen the chances of receiving an expensive ticket. By registering your party with Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations, you will get a 20-minute warning before police officers arrive if your residence receives a noise complaint.

Party smart

Check out this site for more information about:

A variety of substances, including opioids, nicotine, cannabis, etc.
Party registration
Common citations

Free substance use workshops

Health Promotion offers free workshops to help students reflect on their relationship with alcohol and other substances.

Exploring Substance Use Workshop (facilitated by trained staff members)
Buffs Discuss Substance Use (facilitated by trained students)

*Workshops are not considered therapy or substance abuse treatment.

Student Legal Services

Student Legal Services is a dedicated law firm that provides support to eligible CU �鶹ӰԺ students facing legal issues, including:

DUI/DWI
MIP (minor in possession)
Nuisance party
Underage drinking
Noise violation
Open container
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Possession or distribution of prescription or recreational drugs

Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (SCCR)

SCCR provides support and resources to help students understand the impact of their behaviors, balancing accountability with growth and education. The student conduct process helps students reflect on and repair any harm caused and create a personal plan to minimize or eliminate harm in the future.

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)

CAPS provides several services related to substance use, including:

Substance use assessments
Brief individual therapy
Support for concerned friends and family members
Referrals to recovery and other community resources
Suboxone treatment

*Confidential resource

Free naloxone and fentanyl test strips

All students can pick up free party smarter supplies, including naloxone, fentanyl test strips and more at the Health Promotion office at Wardenburg (3rd floor).

Students living on campus can also order a free Buff Box with supplies that is delivered directly and discretely to their residence hall.

Collegiate Recovery Community (CUCRC)

The CUCRC provides weekly support meetings, substance-free activities and other resources for those considering, pursuing or actively in recovery from drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, self-harm, other addictions and unwanted behaviors.

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)

*Confidential resource

At CU, you may find yourself at social events or parties with alcohol or other substances. Learn practical tips for navigating parties and staying safe.

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4 ways to look out for each other

Anonymous — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:59:25 +0000

4 ways to look out for each other Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 12/09/2024 - 09:59

As the semester comes to an end, here are some tips to help you and your friends stay safe.

1. Nail down your plans

Who’s in your group? Identify who you want to go to events with, and make sure everyone is on the same page about where you plan to go before, during and after. It’s best to choose a group of friends that you know will take care of each other in case something happens.

Check in with each other. It’s also important to establish a way to check in with each other throughout the day, night or weekend. Consider starting a group chat so you can communicate with each other in case someone needs help. You’ll also want to make sure that everyone has their sound on, so they don’t miss any important notifications from the group.

Share your location. Finally, make sure everyone knows where you’re all going. Google and Apple Maps are a great way to make sure everyone ends up where they’re supposed to be. If you do get separated in a crowd, try sending a pin to the group with your location. You can also use features like “share my location.” Just remember to turn it off later if you want to stop sharing access. Finally, if plans change, make sure everyone knows and agrees on what you’re going to do.

2. Look out for each other

If you or your friends plan to drink (or use other substances), make a commitment to watch out for each other and keep each other accountable. It can be helpful to set a limit before you go out, so your friends know when they may need to step in. In fact, 91% of students find it acceptable to let a friend know when they’ve had too much to drink.

You may also want to discourage each other from embarrassing or dangerous things at parties or events. For instance, if someone wants to crowd surf or ‘table smash,’ you may want to redirect them into a different activity. Similarly, if someone has drunk too much, it’s likely time to switch out their drinks for water or help them get home.

3. Know your out

Create a code word, sign or text emoji that means ‘get me out of this situation!’ Proactively keep an eye out for suspicious situations, especially if someone is intoxicated and may not be able to communicate their discomfort with the group.

This can include things like someone pursuing one of your friends in an unwanted or predatory way. Watch for people who hit on the drunkest person, encourage others to drink, try to get a drunk person alone or away from their friends or are persistent about pursuing someone sexually.

4. Get home safe

Make sure everyone gets home safely.

Commit to not ditching someone if they have too much to drink or become unwilling to stick with your plans to stay together. Consider whether someone offering to walk a person home or look after someone who has had too much to drink is being helpful and trustworthy or is potentially looking for access to someone who is vulnerable.

Never leave someone behind with casual friends, people you just met or don’t know very well, especially when someone has been drinking or using other substances.

Resources

Here are a few campus resources you can take advantage of before, during and after Black and Gold Weekend.

CU NightRide

Looking for a ride home? Give CU NightRide a try! This student-operated program provides free night-time transportation for all CU �鶹ӰԺ students, staff and faculty.

Party smart

Knowing how to party smart can help keep you and your friends safe. Check out these tips to keep yourself and your friends safe if you plan to host or attend parties at CU.

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)

CAPS provides a variety of mental health services and consultation for all students. If you’re worried about a friend or need urgent/crisis support, call 303-492-2277 (24/7) to talk with a mental health professional.

Collegiate Recovery Community (CUCRC)

The CUCRC provides community, support and connection for students, faculty and staff in recovery or seeking recovery from a wide range of behaviors, including substance use, gambling, eating concerns, self-harm and more.

As the semester comes to an end, here are some tips to help you and your friends stay safe.

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6 things everyone should know about study drugs

Emily Sampl — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0000

6 things everyone should know about study drugs Emily Sampl Fri, 10/11/2024 - 00:00

As we prepare for exams and projects, it may be tempting for some to use prescription stimulants (commonly referred to as ‘study drugs’) without a prescription or not as prescribed to try and get ahead.

If you choose to use substances while studying, here are a few things you should know.

1. What are ‘study drugs’?

Study drugs are prescription stimulants that are used without a prescription or not as prescribed in an attempt to increase a person’s stamina, energy or concentration. However, research shows that using ‘study drugs,’ such as Ritalin or Adderall, without a proper diagnosis or prescription doesn’t enhance academic performance.

2. What are possible risks and side effects?

While some people may believe that using stimulants without a prescription may help them focus better, they’re not likely to help your academic performance. In fact, misusing stimulants and amphetamines can lead to unintended consequences, including:

Risk of accidental overdose due to counterfeit pills that may contain other unknown substances

Increased anxiety or other mental health impacts

Physical discomfort, including nausea, digestive issues, etc.

Risk of seizure and cardiac event, especially if dosing isn’t managed by a healthcare provider

Increased irritability

Losing sleep, feeling fatigued

Focusing on the wrong things (e.g., organizing your room instead of studying)

Becoming addicted to, or dependent on, amphetamines

As you think through the risks and side effects associated with using ‘study drugs,’ consider if there are alternative ways to achieve the same results while avoiding unwanted experiences. For instance, you may feel more energized after seven to nine hours of sleep at night or more productive if you break down your study blocks into smaller sections.

*Note: Side effects can occur when stimulants are used with or without a prescription. If you are currently using stimulants as prescribed to treat a condition and are concerned about negative side effects, contact your healthcare provider.

3. What are some alternatives?

When it’s crunch time, ‘study drugs’ may seem like an effortless way to extend a study session or maintain better focus. However, studies have shown that using study drugs without a prescription does not enhance academic performance. This is because medications like Ritalin or Adderall typically do not improve a person’s test-taking or study skills, even if it makes them feel more alert.

The most effective way to improve your grades and prepare for exams is to start early, give yourself plenty of time to study, get plenty of sleep and take regular breaks.

Here are a few tips to try:

Schedule your study sessions. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Try to plan your study during times of the day when you’re feeling mentally sharp.

Prioritize subjects. Prioritize what you study based on what will be on your exams. Start with the information you don’t know as well. If you aren’t sure what will be on your exams, reach out to your instructors for clarification. Remember it’s okay to move onto other topics if you get stuck. Just remind yourself to go back and revisit them later.

Reduce distractions. Find ways to reduce distractions while studying. For instance, you may want to put your phone in ‘do not disturb’ mode or let friends know that you can’t make plans that day. Once you hit a milestone in your assignment or study guide, take a short break to check your feed, watch an episode of your favorite show or grab a quick coffee with friends before you start studying again.

Go to bed at a reasonable time. Plan for at least seven hours of sleep each night. If you stay up late and feel groggy during the day, try to fit a 15 to 20 minute power nap into your day. Sleep is important for memory, alertness, mood and motivation, so it’s important to be well rested.

Start small. If you are having trouble getting started on a paper or project, create a loose outline with a list of your main points. Staring at a blank page can make it more difficult to get started, and creating a plan with your outline can help overcome that roadblock. Similarly, you can break study guides into smaller chunks and work through them methodically.

Set the mood. Create an effective study environment or reserve a space to study in advance. Make sure you have all the supplies you need, such as pencils, calculators, your laptop and charger, water, snacks and class materials.

Maintain your energy. It’s important to eat regularly and stay hydrated throughout the day, especially if you’re preparing for exams. Study sessions tend to be more productive when we are full and focused.

Check out additional study and test-taking tips

4. How can you reduce your risk?

Taking any prescription medication not as prescribed or without a prescription can pose risks. This includes the use of stimulants to study and anti-anxiety medications (e.g., Xanax) to cope. For instance, combining stimulants with depressants, such as alcohol, Xanax or opiates, can increase the risk of overdose.

Here are some things to keep in mind to reduce your risk:

Assume any drug not purchased directly from a pharmacy is contaminated with harmful substances.

Remember, fentanyl strips are not a guarantee of safety. Fentanyl may still be in another untested part of the pill or powder, or it may contain another unknown synthetic substance.

If you choose to use stimulants without a prescription, start slow, use smaller doses and practice caution.

Keep naloxone, an FDA-approved nasal spray that can be used to temporarily reverse opioid and fentanyl overdoses, on hand and learn how to use it.

Use fentanyl test strips whenever possible to test substances before you use them. Test strips are available from Health Promotion on the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center.

Avoid using substances alone. If someone experiences an overdose, make sure they know how to call for help and administer naloxone.

Practice healthy habits, like eating regularly and staying hydrated.

Schedule time to sleep and recover after use (sleep is one of the best predictors for academic success).

It’s also important to know that any drug not purchased directly from a pharmacy may contain fentanyl, methamphetamine or other substances. This is because many counterfeit capsules and pressed pills are made to look like prescription medications, including Adderall, Percocet, Oxycontin, Roxicodone and Xanax. In fact, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), nearly half of all counterfeit prescriptions tested contained a lethal dose of fentanyl. Keep in mind that any pill you may purchase from friends, classmates or dealers may be counterfeit.

Learn more about fentanyl and overdose prevention

Note: Possession and/or selling narcotics, including Ritalin, Adderall and Xanax, is illegal and can result in criminal charges and are a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

(!) Important notice: There is currently a national shortage of Adderall.

If you are taking this medication with a prescription, please contact your pharmacy at least seven days before your prescription is refilled.

If you do not have a prescription or are unable to refill your prescription, please be aware of the increased risks associated with buying stimulants off the street, including purchases from friends, classmates or dealers. Counterfeit stimulants always run the risk of containing fentanyl.

5. How can you prevent overdoses?

If you choose to use study drugs with or without a prescription, you may experience a number of unwanted side effects, including accidental overdose.

Call 911 if you or someone you know experiences any of the following:

Irregular heartbeat, chest pain

Confusion

Convulsions, seizures

Delusions, hallucinations

Passed out, unresponsive

Shallow breathing

Blue/gray lips or fingertips

CU �鶹ӰԺ Amnesty Policy

To be covered by the Amnesty Policy, a student must:

Call for help (911 or university staff).

Stay with the individual until help arrives.

Cooperate with staff and emergency responders.

911 Good Samaritan Law

The 911 Good Samaritan Law states that a person is immune from criminal prosecution for an offense when the person reports, in good faith, an emergency drug or alcohol overdose event to a law enforcement officer, to the 911 system or to a medical provider.

6. What other support is available?

CU �鶹ӰԺ has a variety of resources to help students prepare for exams and projects. These are a great alternative to going it alone and can be more effective than using study drugs.

Academic resources

Tutoring services: CU �鶹ӰԺ offers a wide variety of tutoring services. Some are specific to classes, departments or groups of students, while others are available campus wide. Many of these services are free to use. If you aren’t sure where to begin, be sure to check your syllabus, and ask your professor or course assistant for help and referrals.

Writing Center: The Writing Center provides free one-to-one tutoring sessions with professionally trained writing consultants, individualized guidance and feedback, and time-saving skills for writing and presentation projects. The Writing Center is available to all CU �鶹ӰԺ undergrad and graduate students for free.

Grade Replacement Program: This program allows degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students to retake a course in which they earned a low grade to improve their cumulative GPA.

Wellness resources

Let’s Talk: Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides free drop-in services through Let’s Talk. Counselors are available in person and online to help provide insight, solutions and information about additional resources related to academics, stress, anxiety, substance use, relationships and more.

Collegiate Recovery Community (CUCRC): The CUCRC provides meetings and support groups, recovery-focused housing, events and activities, peer support and more for students in recovery or interested in pursuing recovery from drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, self-harm, other addictions and harmful behaviors.

Disability Services: Disability Services provides students with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in university programs, courses and activities through reasonable accommodations and services. If you’re planning to use testing accommodations, make sure you’re on the same page as your instructors about how they’ll be administered.

Test anxiety tips: It’s normal to feel nervous about upcoming tests or exams. However, if you experience overwhelming anxiety or stress before and during tests, it may be linked to test anxiety. Here are some tips to help you make it through exams.

Workshops: CAPS provides weekly workshops that can help students develop healthy coping skills related to stress, anxiety and other painful or distressing emotions. All workshops are covered by the mental health fee.

Peer Wellness Coaching: Meet one-on-one with a trained peer wellness coach to set wellness goals and connect with campus resources. Coaches are available to help you create a plan to study, reduce stress, manage your time, create a sleep schedule or routine, practice self-care and more.

AcademicLiveCare: AcademicLiveCare is a telehealth platform that allows students to schedule and attend mental health appointments from a smartphone, computer or other mobile device for free. Easily schedule virtual visits with licensed psychologists, counselors, psychiatrists, or other providers. Please note: AcademicLiveCare does not provide crisis or emergency care.

Alcohol and Other Drugs Information: CU �鶹ӰԺ is committed to the health and wellness of our students. Learn more about campus policies, programs and tips to stay safe while using alcohol and other drugs.

As we prepare for exams and projects, it may be tempting for some to use 'study drugs' to try and get ahead. If you choose to use substances to prepare or cope, here are a few things you should know.

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8 tips for living in Colorado

Anonymous — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 16:23:26 +0000

8 tips for living in Colorado Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 08/19/2024 - 10:23

Summer and fall can be a great time to enjoy everything Colorado has to offer. However, it’s also important to be aware of potential risks from elevation, heat and more.

Here are some tips and reminders to make the most of your Colorado experience.

1. Acclimate to the altitude

Colorado’s higher elevations can catch newcomers off guard. While downtown �鶹ӰԺ sits at around 5,300 feet above sea level, it’s easy to travel to areas much higher up in a short amount of time. For instance, the Flatirons summit is above 7,000 feet.

While altitude sickness typically occurs between 7,500 and 8,000 feet in elevation, some may experience symptoms before reaching this range. Here are some things to know about altitude sickness and what to do if you or someone you know begins experiencing symptoms.

Symptoms

Watch for signs of potential altitude sickness:

Headache
Sickness, nausea
Dizziness, lightheadedness
Tiredness
Loss of appetite
Shortness of breath

Treatment

If you think you may be experiencing altitude sickness, follow these tips to treat it:

Stop and rest. If possible, descend to a lower altitude.
Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to treat headaches.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and reduce symptoms.
Avoid consuming alcohol, vaping or exercising for the next 24 to 48 hours.

Medical Attention

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention right away:

Loss of consciousness
Confusion, altered mental state
Fever
Blue tinge to skin or lips
Breathing difficulties, even when resting or lying down
Chest tightness
Persistent coughing with pink or white frothy liquid
Tiredness, weakness
Rapid heart rate

These symptoms are an indicator of high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) or high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), which can be fatal if left untreated.

2. Protect yourself from the sun

The sun’s rays are more intense at higher elevations, making it the perfect place to catch a sunburn. This is because there is less atmosphere protecting you from the sun’s UV rays. Here are a few tips that can help you avoid sun damage:

Wear SPF 30+
Lather up with sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher. It’s usually best to apply your first coat of sunscreen about 30 minutes before you head outside. You’ll also need to reapply every one to two hours while out in the sun. For the best coverage, opt for sunscreen lotions rather than sprays. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen in the winter, too, especially if you go skiing this winter.
Avoid peak sun times
Keep to the shade and try to avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are most intense.
Wear a hat
Pick out a hat with a wide brim that provides ample shade and protection against the sun. While baseball caps are popular, they may not be the best option for protecting your head or face from sun damage. Instead, try to opt for a sun hat, bucket hat or other styles that offer more protection.
Wear sunglasses
The sun can affect more than just your skin. That’s why it’s important to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun damage. Polarized sunglasses can reduce the impact of UV rays and help reduce glare during the daytime.
Look for UPF clothing
UPF stands for ‘ultraviolet protection factor’ and is used to indicate how much UV radiation a fabric allows to reach your skin. If you are shopping for new hiking or outdoor gear, be sure to check the UPF rating and look for products that are rated as UPF 30 or above. These will offer you the best protection against the sun. Additionally, it’s important to remember that fabric wetness, wear and laundering can lessen the effectiveness of UPF clothing over time.

3. Beat the bugs

Common Colorado bugs include mosquitos, bees, wasps, ticks, ants, spiders and gnats. Luckily for us, this region is relatively safe in terms of bug-related illnesses like Lyme disease (from ticks) and West Nile (from mosquitos). However, stings and bites can still be itchy and annoying. If you’re looking to beat the bugs, here are some tips to follow:

Avoid standing or stagnant water, as it can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Wear long sleeves and pants if possible. Consider tucking your pants into your socks and your shirt into your pants to block potential entries for bugs.
Use an EPA-registered bug repellent. Most repellents are available in sprays, lotions or as wearable bracelets.
Walk in the center of trails and inspect your body for ticks when you get home, especially if you’ve spent time in grassy, bushy or wooded areas.

Please note:
While cases of Lyme disease, Colorado Tick Fever (both caused by ticks) and West Nile Virus (caused by mosquitos) are rare in Colorado, it’s important to be mindful of possible symptoms, like headaches, stiffness, rashes, joint pain and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, make an appointment with a healthcare provider.

4. Prepare for unpredictable weather

Check the forecast before heading outside and remember that Colorado weather can change in an instant. The best way to prepare for abrupt weather changes is to wear or pack layers with you when venturing outside, especially during the late afternoon. Be prepared for unexpected wind, rain or hail by bringing a windbreaker or rain jacket. If you think you may get wet, opt for synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, which dry more quickly. Cotton-based clothing can retain moisture and leave you sopping wet by the end of the day.

Note: If you plan to hike at high elevations (i.e., above 10,000 feet), it’s important to start your journey early in the day. Severe thunderstorms and hail are common in the afternoons and evening.

5. Practice fire safety

Colorado's dry climate increases the risk of wildfires, especially during summer months. Stay informed about fire bans and restrictions in your area, and always follow proper fire safety protocols when camping or enjoying outdoor activities. If you live off-campus, ensure your residence has working smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and have an emergency plan in place.

6. Stay hydrated

High elevation can leave you feeling more dehydrated than usual. Be sure to drink one liter (32 oz.) of water every two hours while doing physical activity outside. It’s also important to bring extra water if you plan to be outdoors with pets or other people. Avoiding caffeine (a diuretic) can also help you stay hydrated for longer.

7. Avoid overheating

Colorado can get hot, hot, hot, especially in the summer and fall. If the heat index is above 90°F (32°C), you should use extreme caution when engaging in outdoor activities or exercise. Keep in mind that the heat index is a measure of how hot it feels, not how hot the reported outdoor temperature is.

It’s also important to be mindful of outdoor temperatures when on campus, especially if you’re commuting to classes. Temperatures between 90° F and 105°F (32°C - 40°C), you may experience heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

If you get too hot, follow these tips:

Get out of the heat by resting in a cool place such as an air conditioned building, shade or in front of a fan.
Drink cool liquids like water or sports drinks. Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine as this can make you more dehydrated.
Cool down by taking a cold shower, using ice packs or wetting towels in cold water to apply to your neck and head.
Remove any unnecessary or tight clothing.

If you or someone you know experiences any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention:

Nausea, vomiting
Dizziness, fainting
Shortness of breath, stop breathing
Fever of 102°F (39°C) after 30 minutes of treatment
Shock, seizures
Weakness
Loss of consciousness

8. Respect wildlife

Colorado is home to a wide variety of less-than-friendly animals, including bears, mountain lions and rattlesnakes. Here are some tips that can help you stay safe and avoid scuffles with wildlife.

Keep your distance
Never approach wildlife. Maintain a safe distance between yourself and wildlife you come across. A good rule of thumb is to stay about two or three bus lengths away.

Never feed wild animals
Food can attract animals, including those you’d rather not meet. Never feed animals or leave food unattended. This rule also applies to animals on campus such as squirrels, birds and raccoons.

Keep trash locked
Bears love trash. If you live in an area where you have your own trash bins, be sure to keep them properly locked and follow your area’s guidelines for putting them out for collection.

Keep pets on leash
Encounters between pets and wildlife can be dangerous for you and your pet. Keep all pets leashed when hiking or exploring to avoid potential confrontation or aggression.

Resources

Apothecary Pharmacy	Adventure Resource Center	Outdoor Equipment Rentals	Figueroa Family Wellness Suite
The Apothecary Pharmacy at Wardenburg Health Center carries a variety of over-the-counter products, including sunscreen, allergy medication, lip balm, aloe vera, anti-itch cream and more.	The Adventure Resource Center is a free and open resource to help you plan your next trip into the outdoors. They provide route recommendations, backcountry meal planning tips, equipment recommendations and mapping services.	Outdoor Pursuits offers outdoor gear rentals to students, staff and faculty. Rental equipment includes hiking, camping, climbing, tubing, water sports and winter equipment options.	Did you know you can pick up free sunscreen, first aid and other wellness supplies at the Figueroa Family Wellness Suite on the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center?

Summer and fall are a great time to explore Colorado. Here are some safety tips and reminders to help you make the most of the warm weather.

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9 things everyone should know about cannabis

Lynia Herrington — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 17:44:08 +0000

9 things everyone should know about cannabis Lynia Herrington Thu, 02/29/2024 - 10:44

Marijuana and its active components (such as THC and CBD, among other cannabinoids) exist in many forms and strengths and can affect people in different ways.

It’s important to remember that not everyone uses substances in college. In fact, according to the National College Health Assessment, two-thirds of CU students reported not having used marijuana within the past three months.

If you are thinking about using, are currently using or have friends who use cannabis, here are some things to consider.

1. Intention matters

Like any other substance, marijuana can create wanted and unwanted effects. It’s important to keep in mind that it can also impact everyone differently and those impacts may change over time.

If you choose to use marijuana, think through the experiences you want to have as well as those you’d rather avoid. Knowing what you want from marijuana may help reduce the chances of unwanted experiences and improve the likelihood that you’ll experience the outcome you want. It’s also important to keep in mind that like any substance, marijuana can impact people in unpredictable or unforeseen ways, even when used mindfully.

Here are a few examples of desirable or undesirable experiences people might hope to have or not have related to using marijuana.

It's important to keep in mind that marijuana can impact everyone differently and that those impacts may change over time. Cannabis use under the age of 25 can also impact brain development.

Potential wanted outcomes

Feel calm and relaxed
Reduce feelings of anxiety, depression or worries
Socialize more easily
Reduce physical symptoms related to other conditions (e.g., pain)
Altered sensory experiences (e.g., music, food, movies, art, etc.)
Laugh and enjoy the moment

Potential unwanted outcomes

Have memory problems
Aggravate mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, psychosis, etc.)
Negatively impact my school, work or relationships
Feeling tired during the day due to lower quality sleep
Legal consequences
Losing control of self, doing things I wouldn’t normally do
Addiction, dependence or long-term health effects (e.g., cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome)
‘Greening out’ (i.e., feeling sick, vomiting, zoning out, difficulty engaging with activities or others, etc.)

2. Products can vary in potency

Serving sizes can vary between different forms of marijuana products.

As marijuana potency has increased by four or five times over the past few decades, it’s more important now than ever to be aware of how different products may affect you.

Potency can vary between different forms of marijuana. If you choose to use, go with products that are within your limits. If you’re unsure of a product’s potency, limit how much you use to start until you better understand how it affects you. You can always increase your dosage over time depending on the effects.

Flowers and concentrates

Flower (marijuana in its plant form) is less potent than concentrates (hash oil, wax, shatter, dabs, resins, etc.). Here are some standard potency ranges for these products based on the percentage of THC.

Flower (bud): 10% to 30%
Concentrates (oils, hash, dabs, wax): 40% to 90%

Edibles

Edibles do not have a standard potency, and the amount of THC in an edible will vary from product to product. Keep in mind that your own tolerance may affect how serving sizes impact you. If it’s your first time using edibles, start with a smaller amount. Colorado labels consider a single serving size to be 10mg of THC, but this amount may lead to unwanted experiences, especially if you have a lower tolerance.

Always refer to product packaging to check serving sizes before using. It’s also important to remember that it may take 2 hours for edibles to begin to take effect and up to 4 hours to feel the full effect.

Tips for understanding marijuana packaging:

Cannabis products are labeled with information about the type of marijuana (indica, sativa, etc.) as well as the percent potency of THC for flower and concentrates. The higher the percentage, the more potent the product is and the stronger the effect will be. It’s important to note that most products include a disclaimer, because potency can vary by about 15% in either direction. Keep this information in mind when selecting products and calculating doses.

Edibles are typically labeled with information about how many milligrams (mg) of THC is in the food item. Keep in mind that some products will require you to split the doses yourself. For example, you may need to cut the item in half or quarters before consuming.

3. Start low and go slow

If you’ve never used marijuana before, are trying a new product or are unsure of your tolerance, start with a smaller amount and go slow until you know how it will affect you. This is especially important when experimenting with edibles and concentrates. Look for products with lower THC levels and wait to see how it affects you before consuming more.

4. Hold off on activities that may pose higher risks

It’s recommended to wait at least 3 to 6 hours after vaping or smoking and 6 to 8 hours after consuming edibles before engaging in higher risk activities like driving, skiing or swimming. Keep in mind that these times can vary depending on your tolerance and use. In some cases, you may need to wait longer than the recommended times.

5. Reduce your frequency

Like other substances, frequent use of marijuana can increase your tolerance, which means it may take more to achieve the same effect. This can often lead to dependence, which occurs when your body adapts to a particular drug or substance, leading you to desire larger or more frequent doses.

Using marijuana less frequently has also been shown to lower the risk of dependency, negative mental health symptoms and long-term health effects. Not sure if you need to reduce your frequency?

Here are a few questions to help you reflect on your current use:

Is my consumption adversely affecting my productivity, school performance or job performance?
Is my consumption interfering with my relationships?
Is my consumption impacting my memory?
Am I feeling more fatigued than I’d like to be?
Am I breaking my own rules or limits around marijuana use?
How is my use impacting me financially?

6. Store marijuana products safely

Keep marijuana products in their original packaging so they are easily identifiable. Be sure to store them in a safe area that cannot be accessed by pets or young children. If a pet or child consumes any marijuana products, call a vet or health care provider right away.

7. Use with people you trust

Using marijuana with people you know, trust and feel comfortable with is more likely to result in a positive experience. If you feel pressured to use more than you’re comfortable with, come up with ways you can say “no.” For example, you could say, “No thanks, I need to drive home later” or “I’m going to start with this and see how it goes.”

8. Avoid sharing

Avoid “puff and pass” rotations and do not share joints, bongs, pipes, vaporizers or other personal items with others. Sharing can put you at a higher risk of exposure to a variety of infections and diseases like the cold, flu, meningitis or mono, which can all be transferred from person to person through saliva. Sharing with friends may also mean you’re getting higher doses of THC than you’re used to.

9. Avoid mixing

Mixing two or more substances can make it challenging to predict what is going to happen or how you will be affected. Additionally, two or more substances used together can result in adverse side effects. Play it safe by only using one substance at a time.

Campus resources

Free workshops

Health Promotion offers a variety of workshops that provide students with a safe, non-judgmental space where they can explore their relationship with substance use and discuss personal experiences. Students of all levels of use and non-use are welcome.

Collegiate Recovery Community (CUCRC)

The CUCRC provides support meetings, recovery-focused housing, events and activities, peer support and more for students in recovery or interested in pursuing recovery from drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, self-harm, other addictions and unwanted behaviors.

Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD)

The AOD website includes information, support resources, policies, reports and more related to alcohol and other drugs at CU �鶹ӰԺ.

Marijuana policy

Be informed about marijuana laws and CU’s Student Code of Conduct (PDF).
Marijuana possession and use is only legal in Colorado for adults 21+ (18+ for medical marijuana). Underage use is subject to an MIP ticket, fines and CU sanctions.
It is illegal for anyone (regardless of age) to have or use marijuana on campus in any form, even with a prescription.
Being under the influence of marijuana is a violation of the CU drug policy and may result in student conduct sanctions and processes.
Driving high could land you with a DUI. Wait before getting behind the wheel.
It’s illegal to take marijuana products out of the state. Additionally, Denver International Airport has banned the possession of marijuana products on its property.
Using marijuana in any form (smoking, eating or vaping) isn’t allowed in public places. Smoking and vaping are also in violation of the university’s smoke-free campus policy.

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