Party Smart Pioneers

What is Party Smart Pioneers?

Party Smart Pioneers is about engaging in harm reduction behaviors, choosing to use responsibly and taking action to help a friend. Harm reduction includes protective behaviors that can be taken to mitigate risks associated with substance use, such as hangovers, injuries, and overdoses. Visit us at some of our alcohol-free events or check out some of the below resources to learn more.
raw after dark
Halloween Fest

Campus Policies and Summary of Laws

The University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy living and learning environment for students, faculty, and staff. Each member of the campus community should choose behaviors that contribute toward this end. Students are expected to be good citizens and to engage in responsible behaviors that reflect well upon their university, to be civil to one another and to others in the campus community, and contribute positively to student and university life.

 

CSU East Bay strictly prohibits the unlawful use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of alcohol and drugs on campus or at any university related events, including and not limited to public intoxication, drug paraphernalia, and misuse of legal substances. These rules are enforced to maintain a safe, healthy, and academically focused environment. Violations may result in disciplinary action under the Student Conduct Code, emphasizing education, accountability, and community well-being.

You can read the full details here: CSU East Bay Student Conduct.

 

For more information see below: 

/policies/alcohol-policy/index.html

/housing/files/docs/housing-conduct-policies.pdf 

Potential Health Risks and Effects Associated with Alcohol and Other Drugs Use

(beer, wine, cocktails, hard seltzer, hard cider, canned cocktails)

SHORT AND LONG TERM EFFECTS
  • Short-term effects can include slurred speech, reduced inhibitions, motor impairment, confusion, drowsiness, emotional changes, sleep disruption, memory problems, concentration problems, reduced reaction time, decreased breathing and heart functions
  • Long-term effects can include disruption of brain development, brain cell death, liver damage/cirrhosis of the liver, stomach and intestinal ulcers, increases in blood pressure, and other complications

SERVING SIZES

The specific amount of alcohol in a standard drink can vary depending on the type of beverage and its alcohol content. 

Alcohol Servings

 

ALCOHOL POISONING AND ACTIVE BYSTANDER INFORMATION

Know the signs of alcohol poisoning and call 911 if someone is displaying any of them. Symptoms include:

  • Mental confusion
  • Unresponsive
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Gasping for air
  • Throwing up while unconscious
  • Hypothermia
  • Erratic breathing
  • Paleness/blueness of the skin.

 

Steps to take when helping someone who is displaying alcohol poisoning

  1. Set them into 
  2. Call 911
  3. Stay with them until medical emergencies arrives
  4. Be ready to provide details to authorities

(Marijuana, weed, other cannabis-derived products like THC infused edibles, vaporizers, oil, wax, and shatter)

SHORT AND LONG TERM EFFECTS
  • Short-term effects can include slowed thinking and reaction time; confusion; emotional distress; increased heart rate; impaired balance; impaired learning and memory; and lack of coordination
  • Long-term effects can include cough; respiratory infections; impaired learning and memory; increased heart rate; anxiety; panic attacks; and sleep difficulties

 

MYTHS AND FACTS

Cannabis Myths and Facts

 

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

Local Law

Proposed legal sanctions for local alcohol and other drug violations are decided by the court and filing district or city attorney. Sanctions may include fines, community service, incarceration, and more. A  is provided by American Legal Publishing.

California Law

California laws regarding use, sale, and distribution of alcohol and other drugs by individuals or businesses are organized into code types (e.g. Business and Professions; Health and Safety; and Vehicle Codes. Direct links to some of these laws, which are enforced by the CSUN Department of Police Services, are provided below. The full text of these state laws and their associated penalties can be found in the .

Federal Law

The , found on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration website provides information on the Controlled Substances Act including drug scheduling, drug classes, penalties, and resources. The following tables provide some of the penalties for controlled substance related violations.

(cigarettes, nicotine vaporizers/ e-cigarettes, hookah, nicotine pouches like Zyn, snuff, dip, chew, bidis, cloves or kreteks)

SHORT AND LONG TERM EFFECTS

  • Short-term effects include overall diminished health such as susceptibility to acute illnesses and respiratory symptoms, compromised immune system, addiction, and respiratory symptoms(coughing, phlegm, wheezing).
  • Long-term effects include smoking-caused diseases such as coronary heart disease, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.

 

MYTHS AND FACTS

Myth: E-cigarettes are a safe alternative to smoking.
  • Truth: E-cigarettes still contain nicotine and other chemicals, including carcinogens, and can be just as harmful as smoking. 
Myth: Snus and nicotine pouches are not tobacco-free.
  • Truth: While some nicotine pouches are labeled as tobacco-free, they still contain nicotine and other ingredients. Snus products are traditionally tobacco-based. 
Myth: Smokeless tobacco is a safe alternative to smoking.
  • Truth: Smokeless tobacco delivers nicotine in each use, potentially more than smoking cigarettes, and it carries its own health risks, including increased risk of oral cancer and other diseases. 
Myth: Smoking helps relieve stress.
  • Truth: Research shows that smoking actually increases stress levels overall. 
Myth: Flavored vaping products are harmless water vapor.
  • Truth: Vaping products produce an aerosol that contains harmful chemicals, including nicotine, and they are not just water vapor.

Fact: Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and is a health danger for pregnant women, developing fetuses, and youth.

Fact: Aerosol from e-cigarettes can also contain harmful and potentially harmful substances. These include cancer-causing chemicals and tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into lungs.

Fact: E-cigarettes should not be used by youth, young adults, or women who are pregnant. 


(cocaine, Adderall, Ritalin, amphetamine, methamphetamine, etc.)

SHORT AND LONG TERM EFFECTS
  • Short-term effects can include increased heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and body temperature; decreased appetite; shakiness; cramping; anxiety; irregular heartbeat; panic attacks; irritability; paranoia; seizures; strokes
    • When injected, there is an increased risk of infection (HIV and hepatitis)
    • Many methamphetamine users experience skin wounds - "crank sores" (picking at imaginary bugs crawling on skin leads to scabs and infections)
  • Long-term effects can include reduced appetite, tremors, loss of coordination, delirium, panic, paranoia, insomnia, hostility, brain damage, liver damage, chest pain, respiratory failure, nausea, seizures, and strokes

 

PRESCRIPTION MISUSE

Common side effects of prescription stimulants when taken at therapeutic doses may include: decreased appetite, weight loss, headache, insomnia, dizziness, and nervousness. More severe side effects include seizures, cardiac events (e.g., heart attacks), and sudden death, though these are rarely reported.

Individuals who  misuse prescription stimulants may also experience other short- and long-term health effects. Using prescription stimulants non-orally and/or in combination with other substances, as is typically done for recreational purposes, is more likely to cause adverse health effects than when taken orally. Non-oral use also increases the risk of developing a stimulant use disorder.

Stimulant Misuse Risks

(Vicodin, Norco, Percocet, Fentanyl, Codeine, morphine, Oxycontin, methadone, hydromorphone)

SHORT AND LONG TERM EFFECTS
  • Short-term effects can include shallow breathing, drowsiness, nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, flushing of skin, difficulty urinating, anxiety, and other mood changes
    • Risks increase when taken in a way or dose other than prescribed.
  • Long-term effects can include tolerance; muscle breakdown; kidney failure; cardiovascular problems; increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature; and depression
    • Long-term usage from injection can cause cardiovascular damage, scarred/collapsed veins, risks of infections (HIV, hepatitis, etc.)

OPIOID MISUSE

Anyone who takes prescription opioids can develop opioid use disorder. You may also develop tolerance—meaning that over time you might need higher doses to relieve your pain, putting you at higher risk for a potentially fatal overdose. You can also develop physical dependence—meaning you have withdrawal symptoms when the medication is stopped. 

TIPS:

  • Never take prescription opioids in greater amounts or more often than prescribed.
  • Avoid taking opioids with alcohol and other substances or medications. It is very dangerous to combine opioids with other drugs, especially those that cause drowsiness.
  • Do not share or sell your prescription opioids.
  • Store prescription opioids in a secure place, out of reach of others (including children, family, friends, and visitors).
  • Dispose of unused prescription opioids at the end of your treatment. Find your community drug take-back program or your pharmacy mail-back program, or flush them down the toilet following guidance from the .

FENTANLY DANGERS

Fentanyl comes in two forms: pharmaceutical fentanyl, which is medically prescribed, and illegally made fentanyl, which is linked to most recent overdose cases. The illicit version is often mixed with other drugs due to its extreme potency, making them stronger, cheaper, and more addictive—but also much more dangerous.

TESTING INFORMATION

Synthetic opioids like fentanyl are responsible for nearly 70% of overdose deaths. Even tiny amounts can be lethal, and the number of overdoses—both fatal and nonfatal—continues to rise. Fentanyl is nearly undetectable by sight, taste, or smell, so you wouldn't know if it's in the drugs you're using unless you test them with fentanyl test strips. These strips are inexpensive and can provide results in about 5 minutes, potentially saving lives. However, they may not detect even stronger variants, like carfentanil, so caution is still necessary. 

Student Health and Counseling Services - Pharmacy

 

NALOXONE INFORMATION

Naloxone is a medication that can rapidly reverse opioid overdoses, including those caused by heroin, prescription painkillers, and fentanyl. It works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids attach to, reversing the life-threatening effects of the overdose, such as respiratory depression.

Naloxone is available as an injectable or a nasal spray (Narcan), and can be administered by anyone, even without medical training, in emergency situations. It’s critical to call 911 immediately after using naloxone, as the effects may wear off before the person fully recovers, requiring additional doses.  Learn how to .

(LSD/acid, mushrooms/psilocybin, PCP, ketamine, salvia, DMT, bufotoxin)

SHORT AND LONG TERM EFFECTS
  • Short-term effects can include visual illusions; hallucinations; altered perception of one’s own body; increased blood pressure and heart rate; anxiety and/or panic symptoms; fear of going insane; suicidal/homicidal ideation
  • Long-term effects can include flashbacks; changes in brain chemistry; depression; other mood shifts; symptoms of schizophrenia (Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder), though psychotic symptoms can occur following minimal use as well

Resources

Campus Resources

Registered ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ students can get an evaluation and referrals for alcohol and other drug concerns at Counseling for FREE. Brief individual, couples, and group counseling is available. Urgent walk-in hours are also available to students.

Appointments can be made with a physician, nurse practitioner or psychiatrist for medical and/or psychiatric evaluations. A referral to the psychiatrist may be made by one of the medical doctors, by a counselor or by making an appointment directly.

For those interested in smoking cessation and taking steps to successfully quit smoking, fill out the Health History Form on and book an appointment.

Narcan® (Naloxone) is the antidote that reverses opioid overdoses.  It is available at the Student Health and Counseling Services and University Police Department at no charge to students.

The University Police Department provides public safety assistance on campus. For Public Safety emergency assistance, call 911; for Public Safety non-emergency assistance, call (510) 885–3791.

 

Community Resources

Community- county behavioral health services pages, cessation resources/groups

ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ community Resources

Additional Resources

Want to read, listen or watch to learn a little more? Check out what the professionals have to say at the .