By Victor Aldana/reporter
Students learned about the dangers of drinking and drugs at a SE Campus workshop Sept. 20.
SE counselor Christy McDonald led the workshop and provided students with information and tips about what to be aware of when going out with friends.
She talked about the dangers that exist when alcohol, drugs and other substances are consumed and abused by students.
“When out with friends, always provide consent, discuss boundaries with the other person to avoid any type of miscommunication,” McDonald said.
McDonald told students about signs a student might show when addicted or abusing substances, such as physical withdrawals, running late or missing work or school, losing a job or failing classes as well as showing signs of depression or other health problems.
Students watched two videos created by Joey Salads, a YouTuber who performs eye-opener, social experiments. One video demonstrated how easy it is for someone to put drugs in another person’s drink, leaving the victim clueless they are being drugged.
Signs the victim may feel when a drink is altered are sudden changes such as how the body feels or one is acting.
Some safety tips to keep in mind when going out are 1) never leave your drink unattended 2) keep an eye on friends 3) plan to get there and leave together, McDonald said.
“Do not let pressure or manipulation affect your well-being,” McDonald said.
The second video showed how easy it was to be abducted when intoxicated.
Salads demonstrated this by driving near a bar, seeing girls, asking them random questions and inviting them to get in the car.
When people are intoxicated, they agree and get in the car, not knowing the danger or destination of where they could end up.
Seventy-eight percent of college students between the ages of 18-24 are more likely to face some type of abuse, and 90 percent do not report assault.
McDonald said students should always report something that may not feel right to them and say no if they change their minds about drinking or doing drugs.
TCC counselors are available on each campus to students in need of help, she said.
