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Alcohol Consumption

It is a common myth that everyone drinks alcohol: Many students at TCU do not drink alcohol, and that is OK! For those choosing to consume alcohol, we want you to be safe while doing so, and there are many ways TCU is helping to lower the risk posed by alcohol misuse. 

 

Use Safe Drinking Strategies

  • Measure and pour your own drinks
  • Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
  • Plan how many drinks you will have before you start drinking
  • Get home safe; walk, uber, or have a designated driver

 

Medical Amnesty / Good Samaritan Policy

Do not be afraid to call for help! The Medical Amnesty/Good Samaritan Policy encourages students to call for help and protects them from alcohol related disciplinary action. The policy outlines that: 

An individual who calls for emergency assistance on behalf of the person experiencing an alcohol or other drug related emergency will not face formal disciplinary action by the University for the possession or use of alcohol and other drugs. They, as the Good Samaritan, and their friend, as the person in medical need, are both covered by the policy. TCU’s main concern is for the well-being, health, and safety of its students, and encourages everyone to know about the Medical Amnesty/Good Samaritan policy.

 

What to do if you suspect someone has Alcohol Poisoning?

Signs and Symptoms – if the person:

  • Cannot be awakened, is unconscious or only semi-conscious
  • Has cold, clammy, pale or bluish skin
  • Has irregular breathing, or is breathing less than 8 times per minute
  • Vomits while “sleeping” or passed out, or doesn’t wake up after vomiting

GET HELP! Do not wait! Turn the person on their side and into the recovery position to help prevent choking. 

Contact:

  • Your Hall Director or RA, or any administrative staff
  • If on campus call TCU Police 817-257-7777 (or 7777 from any on campus phone)
  • If you are off campus, call 911

 

Thinking about getting help? 

How do I know if I have a problem with alcohol? If any of the following are true for you, we encourage you to talk to someone:

  • Drinking to calm nerves or forget worries
  • Feeling guilty about drinking
  • Unsuccessful attempts to cut back/quit drinking
  • Lying or hiding drinking habits
  • High tolerance/need to drink more to achieve the desired effect
  • Family history of alcoholism or addiction
  • Persistent drinking or using, despite negative consequences

 

TCU Counseling Center – Substance Use & Recovery Services 

Substance Use & Recovery Services (SURS) at TCU is based on a philosophy of student development that incor­porates personal and community wellness. The mission of the program is to enhance students’ overall academic experiences and personal development through the promo­tion of responsible decision making and healthy lifestyle choices, especially regarding alcohol and other drugs. SURS encourages students to develop a sense of responsibility for themselves, for others, and for the university by assum­ing leadership in setting behavioral norms for the campus community members, both on and off campus. Appropriate bystander behavior is expected.

The staff in SURS provides educational screenings and consultations for individuals and groups, counseling services, referrals to treatment, and recovery support through the Collegiate Recovery Community. SURS staff also offer expertise in prevention programming and training. Programs designed for academic classes, student organizations, student leader groups, and others may be individually tailored to meet the specific needs of the group requesting the presentation.

Anyone interested in services available through the Substance Use & Recovery Services is encouraged to visit the office (Jarvis Hall, 2nd Floor, co-located with the Counseling & Mental Health Center) or to call 817-257-7100.