Don't Put Your Health at Risk
To become dependent upon chemicals such as illicit drugs and/or alcohol is to put your health at risk. Chemical dependency is a condition in which the use of mood altering substances such as drugs or alcohol is associated with problems in any area of life on a more or less continuing basis.
One does not, however, have to be addicted or chemically dependent to suffer health risks from the use of illicit drugs or alcohol.
Alcohol and illicit drugs (in all the many forms) may, and often do, impair physical coordination and judgment, diminish control over impulsive behavior, and cause many short- and long-term health consequences.
Alcohol-related illnesses now represent the third leading cause of death in the United States exceeded only by cancer and heart disease, and medical research has established very strong evidence that alcohol abuse contributes significantly to cancer and heart disease. There is clear evidence of serious negative effects on babies due to use of illicit drugs and alcohol by the mother during pregnancy.
If You Have an Alcohol/Drug-Related Problem, We Want to Help
The California State University, Long Beach Student Health Services offers substance dependence counseling and resources for students, faculty, and staff. This includes an Athletic Assistance Program for student athletes (offered as a separate program due to NCAA testing and eligibility requirements and conference affiliation rules for competition).
Under the guidelines of the Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug ( ATOD) program, Linda Peña, an experienced specially trained counselor/health educator under the supervision of the Medical Director, serve as the coordinator and counselor of this program and is available for consultation. All contacts with the Student Health Services personnel are strictly confidential.
Information concerning the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse and/ or concerns about symptoms of substance disorders is available by calling/ emailing Linda Peña, (562) 985-1732, linda.pena@csulb.edu. Additionally, to support students diagnosed with substance disorders, there is ATOD's Beach Recovery. This is a Collegiate Recovery Community effort that aims to educate students about addiction and help remove the stigma associated with alcoholism and addiction, while supporting students on campus who are seeking recovery or are in recovery.
