Substance Misuse Resources
ONEbox at Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech has had longstanding outreach and training efforts to combat opioid overdose through the REVIVE! training and is aware of the national increase of fentanyl in substances like cannabis, fake prescription pills, and even vapes. Due to this, Virginia Tech students could come into contact with the substance even though they are not intentionally using opioids, which could lead to possible overdose.
In an effort to prevent fatal overdoses from occurring, all residential facilities, including Oak Lane, will now be equipped with a ONEbox, located next to the existing AED and Stop the Bleed kits.
The ONEbox has an on-demand video that can be watched during an emergency overdose situation to allow anyone, regardless of previous knowledge on opioid response, to intervene and save a life. The video plays within 3 seconds of the tab being pulled and lasts approximately 1 minute. There are written instructions in the box, written cues in the video, and a Spanish mode if needed. Each box stores two doses of naloxone along with a face shield, gloves, and wipes.
Substance Misuse Resources
Hokie Wellness strives to prevent the use/misuse of substances to promote the health and well-being of all individuals. The most common substance misused on campus is alcohol. Other substance use includes tobacco, cannabis, prescription medications (study drugs, pain killers, etc.) and many others. If you are struggling with substance use, Hokie Wellness has many resources that can help.
Signs that alcohol, cannabis, or another substance could be having a negative impact on your life:
- Having a high tolerance (needing more to achieve the desired effect)
- Stopping participation in activities you used to enjoy because of your use
- Spending a great deal of time getting, using, or recovering from alcohol or another drug
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts
- Lack of motivation
Virginia Tech Cannabis (Marijuana) Policy
Effective July 1, 2021, cannabis is decriminalized in the Commonwealth of Virginia. However, federal use prohibits the use, possession, distribution, and cultivation of cannabis at educational institutions.
This applies to students, employees, and members of the general public on ALL of Virginia Tech's campuses. Please click the button below to see the full policy.
Virginia Tobacco Policy
As of July 1st, 2019, you must be 21 years of age to purchase tobacco and other nicotine products in the state of Virginia.
If you are a current user and would like help quitting you can meet with a tobacco treatment specialist in Hokie Wellness at no charge! See below for more information.
Hokie Wellness offers Narcan (Naloxone) trainings to students, faculty, and staff. This medication is designed to reverse an opioid overdose.
Hokie Wellness provides free tobacco cessation services for students. We also provide reduced prices on nicotine replacement products for those interested. To schedule an appointment, contact us at Healthed@vt.edu or call (540) 231-1874.
Hokie Wellness offers one-on-one consultations for any student who wishes to discuss their substance use and how it may be impacting their life. These sessions are free of charge. To schedule an appointment, email us at hokiewellnessaod@vt.edu.
Cook Counseling offers many resources to students who seek help for their mental health and other concerns. They offer a variety of services such as group counseling, individual counseling, and psychiatric services. If you aren't sure that counseling is the right thing for you right now, consider an initial appointment to learn more about the variety of services they offer.
The Recovery Community at Virginia Tech is a place where students in recovery or thinking about recovery from substance abuse can find community, friendship, and understanding.
Self Reporting and Bystander Intervention (SRBI) Policy at Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech recognizes that the health and safety of students is of utmost importance. Therefore, if someone requires assistance for themselves or others because of alcohol or drug use, we want them to call for help. If medical assistance is sought, Student Conduct will not pursue conduct charges against the individual or organization who sought assistance, or the individual in need of assistance. However, Student Conduct will still require students to attend a meeting with a hearing officer to discuss the incident and will assign substance-related and other educational assignments to the involved parties. Violations having a significant individual or community impact and students with prior violations that demonstrate an actual, potential, or perceived pattern of behavior are not likely to have outcomes that are mitigated and are not likely to be protected under this policy.
- Set a limit before using
- Restrict amount purchased
- Choose lower THC - anything over 10% THC is considered high potency, so opt for something lower
- Use less often - either a few times a day and/or less days a week
- Know your supply - purchase from a legal dispensary or use test strips to check for contamination
- Avoid synthetics and concentrates
- Avoid using alone
- Don't mix substances
- Never use in public or on campus