Are you concerned about your drug or alcohol use or someone else’s? Help is available

What help will I get?  Advice, information and counselling are available over the phone or in a one to one meeting. If you are concerned about cannabis use there is specific information and help available on a website www.nuigalway.ie/helpwithcannabis/

Do we advocate abstinence from drugs and alcohol? Individuals use alcohol and/or drugs for many reasons. However in some cases it is considered that an individual needs to cut down on their use to reduce unwanted negative effects, and sometimes for a person abstinence at least in the short term may be appropriate. The counsellor can support the individual in undertaking and sustaining this change.

How much does it cost? The service is for students in NUIG and is FREE.

Will anyone be told I have attended? The service is confidential and information will only be released with your permission.

How many times will I be seen? You may be seen for one session or several dependant on your needs, this will be discussed with the counsellor.

What do we think of drug/alcohol usage? We recognise that most people in society use one drug or another, whether tobacco, alcohol, prescribed drugs or one of the wide range of illegal drugs for a number of reasons such as

• Socialising
• Relaxing
• Escaping reality
• Excitement
• Pleasant feelings
• Taking risks

However sometimes drug/alcohol use can cause difficulties for a person when for example

• A dependency develops (they have to have alcohol or the drug to feel normal)
• It causes difficulties in relationships with partner, families or friends
• Too much of their money goes on drugs or alcohol, so that he/she cannot to pay for things such as rent, food, clothing or get into debt
• She/he misses work or lectures or is unable to complete course work or study for exams
• He/she is caught in possession of an illegal drug by the Gardai

Information and effects of Cannabis and Cocaine usage- please click on links for powerpoint presentations.

Please click here to see the University's policy concerning misuse of drugs by students.

What Happens now?

When you contact the counselling service you will be offered an initial appointment within 7 to 10 days. This is to find out your needs and to determine with you whether or not you need further help. If you are concerned about your use of drugs or alcohol and its effects on your life you may decide to attend for further appointments to address your concerns. You may decide your use of drugs or alcohol is not a problem and you have it under control or can get it under control by yourself and don’t need any help from the counsellor.

e-PUB

The electronic Personal Use Barometer (e-PUB) is a brief self-assessment that provides you with accurate, detailed and personalized feedback on your use of alcohol, and specific information and helpful resources in the National University of Ireland, Galway community.

For further information contact Student Counselling Service, 5 Distillery Road, phone 091 492 484 , text 087 6644299, E-mail: counsellingnuigalway.ie 

Office hours Mon-Fri 9.15am - 1.00pm and 2.15pm - 4.15pm.

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