Drugs & Alcohol
While at university, you might choose to use drugs or alcohol. If you do, we're here to help you make informed choices and stay safe.
This page includes support and resources to guide you. This includes information on drug testing, course specific advice and where you can get support.
The University of Bristol and the Students' Union use a harm reduction approach to drugs and alcohol that values prioritising support, over disciplinary action.
Read our harm reduction statement.
If you're finding yours or other people's drugs and alcohol-use problematic and it's interfering with your studies, you can access direct support from the University Wellbeing Support Services.
Drugs & The Drop
We've partnered with Bristol Drugs Project (BDP) to support harm reduction around drug and alcohol use at university. Their student-focused service, The Drop, is your go-to for practical, non-judgmental advice and support.
Not everyone who drinks or takes drugs will want to access support. But we know that the more knowledge you have of the effects and risks of alcohol and other drugs, the better you will be able to make informed decisions about your own use.
The Drop's website includes detailed information on a range of party drugs, including what they do, the risks involved, and how to stay safer if you choose to use them.
At the Drop you can book an online or in-person appointment and speak to one of the team about making changes to your use of alcohol or other drugs.
You can also pick up reagent testing kits. During this appointment, staff will teach you how to use the reagent kits safely, how to interpret the results and ways to stay safe when using drugs and alcohol recreationally.
Find their next event
Expect progressive advice, access to reagent kits (free of charge) and other resources to help navigate drug and alcohol use while at university.
You don't have to be someone who takes drugs and drinks alcohol to get support from the Drop. They also offer advice for people affected by others' use, or those who want to know more about the UK's relationship with drugs and alcohol.
Harm Reduction: A city-wide approach
Just like at the University of Bristol, harm reduction is a city-wide approach. This means we work in partnership with many local organisations and governing bodies. This includes;
and many more trusted partners!
Bristol Nights have plenty of resources to help make Bristol's nightlife safer for all - You'll spot the Bristol Rules across the city, and you can check out their handy guide on what to do in a drug-related emergency here.
Drug and Alcohol support for LGBTQIA+
- Prism is Bristol's free, specialist drug and alcohol support for LGBTQIA+ people.
- Dandelion is a Bristol-based harm reduction group for trans+ people who are self-medicating with HRT (also known as DIY). They provide support at drop-ins and DIY harm reduction training.
- Chemsex means using drugs as part of your sex life and is more common within the LGBTQIA+ community. If you want to know more about chemsex and how to keep yourself and your partners safe, make an appointment with The Drop.
Spotting the Signs & Supporting a Friend
Substance abuse is a challenging issue that affects not only the person involved but also those around them. Recognising the below signs can help get them timely support.
- Behavioural: Increased secrecy, isolation (not coming to lectures or leaving their room), mood swings and self-neglect
- Physical: Sudden weight changes, poor hygiene, bloodshot eyes
- Psychological: Paranoia and anxiety, memory problems and lack of motivation to carry on with their studies, hobbies or employment
- Social: New friendships (if secretive about these relationships), financial issues (not enough food in cupboards, frequent borrowing), legal troubles and risk-taking behaviour
If you recognise any of these symptoms, then Bristol Mind have some tips on supporting a friend with drug and alcohol problems.
Alcohol
Alcohol can feel like a big part of student life. Whether you’re someone who likes a drink, is sober-conscious or T-total, we want you to feel supported with your drinking.
If your drinking feels unmanageable, or you’re concerned about others, you can reach out to Bristol Drugs Project's alcohol-specific support service for help and advice.
Quick tips when drinking alcohol
- “Zebra-striping” is the term used to describe alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on a night out.
- Use a unit calculator to find out how many units are in a particular drink, or to check how much you're drinking.
- Drink plenty of water during the night out and before bed, and yes, get that kebab!
- Always make sure you know how you and your friends will be getting home - Out together, home together.
- You can check how healthy your or your friend's drinking is with this quick quiz.
- If you suffer from 'Hangxiety', make sure you talk to loved ones the next day for reassurance or follow the tips in the video below.
Many people choose not to socialise in settings where alcohol and drugs are present.
Understanding these reasons and providing supportive alternatives can foster a more inclusive and empathetic environment.
Someone might avoid spaces where alcohol or drugs are present for reasons such as;
Personal
Preference
Cost
Health Concerns
Personal Safety
Religious or Cultural Beliefs
Course-dependent advice
We are not a zero-tolerance university; however, there is course-dependent advice that must be followed regarding use. If your course involves a practical placement element to become certified, and you are found to be using drugs and drinking heavily, you might be placed on an emergency suspension and/or referred to fitness to practise.
This could result in being suspended and/or removed from your course, meaning you will not be able to complete your studies.
This may be because it is believed your use has made you a risk to yourself and others,
or you cannot be reasonably expected to engage with your studies at this time, due to addiction and intoxication
To get support from Academic Advice, should you ever need help with the above, please find more information here.
Get Involved
We know that harm reduction is a new approach to drugs and alcohol within the higher education space, so there are lots of opportunities to get involved with getting it better understood and recognised across the sector.
If you want to help contribute to championing harm reduction at the University of Bristol and Bristol SU, then get in touch with us.
Get in touch with the Bristol SU Wellbeing Team
Contact us via email: Bristol SU Wellbeing Team
