Drug and Alcohol Awareness
When you attend university, you open yourself up to lots of new, exciting opportunities and experiences.There may be times during your student journey where drugs and other substances are made available to you. It’s important to be aware of the risks associated with taking drugs, so that you can make informed decisions and prioritise looking after yourself.
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Staying Safe: Drug and Alcohol e-Learning Course
Staying Safe is an e-learning course designed to give you up-to-date information about drugs and alcohol to help you and your friends to stay safe. You can access the course throughout your time at USW to remain informed about drink and drugs.
The purpose of the course is not to judge you but to provide you with accurate and useful information and advice.
Drugs and the law
Possession of most recreational drugs or psychoactive substances is illegal in the UK and therefore, any drugs or type of ‘legal high’ are also banned across campus and halls of residence.
Harm reduction advice
The safest choice is to avoid taking drugs, as all substances involve some level of risk of harm. But if you do, there are some ways that you can minimise the risk and stay safer.
- If you’re going to take drugs, ‘start low and go slow’ – take a small amount first and allow plenty of time to see how it affects you before considering taking more.
- Know what you’re taking - be aware of what the substance is and its effects.
- Don’t mix substances - avoid combining drugs or alcohol, as it can be dangerous.
- Have a friend with you - never use out of sight of others —someone can help in case of an emergency.
- Be in a safe space - stay with people you trust in a familiar environment.
If you are considering using drugs, it’s important to understand harm reduction strategies to make it as safe as possible. Release, WEDINOS and The Loop offer helpful advice and support.
If you or someone you know has taken drugs and feels unwell, call 999 immediately.
What to do if you have concerns about drug misuse
If you are concerned about drug misuse or drug dealing, you can report it to the police by calling 101.
Alternatively, non-emergency crimes can be reported online through the South Wales Police website if you live in Cardiff or Rhondda Cynon Taf, or on the Gwent Police website if you live in Newport / Gwent.
USW students can also use the Report + Support platform to report concerns online. You can choose to report anonymously or with contact details. If you include your contact details, the university can reach out to you with support options as well as investigate your concerns. However, if you report without contact details, they will not be able to provide support.
Where to find support
If you need help or are worried about someone in relation to drug and alcohol use, it's important to know where to go to get support. Our support services are committed to ensuring every student receives the assistance they need. If you feel you would benefit from further support, 45-minute Wellbeing Advice appointments are available to discuss and concerns or challenges you may be facing.
There are also local and national organisations that offer information and advice about drugs and drug use:
Dan247 - Wales’s Drugs and Alcohol Helpline is available 24/7 and can help you find local agencies for further support.
Barod - provides free, confidential information, advice and support to anyone affected by substance use.
Frank – Upfront advice and information for young people about drugs. Includes an A-Z of drugs, confidential helpline, and reports.
For more details about organisations that can provide information and support on drugs and alcohol, visit our Self-Help Resources webpage.