Alcohol and substance use

Consuming alcohol comes with risks. Less alcohol intake equals a lower risk of consequences, such as issues with your health. If you choose to drink, be mindful of the choices you are making and what it might mean for you and others.

Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health Quiz can help you check your knowledge about alcohol consumption. The right information about alcohol can help you make choices to lower your risks.

Tips for responsible drinking 

• Eat before and while you are drinking 

• Drink water in between alcoholic drinks. If you’re drinking at The Pond, you can request water at the bar for free.  

• Slow down — do not have more than two drinks in three hours. 

• Engage in other activities — playing pool, darts, dancing, etc. will naturally slow you down reduce the effects of alcohol. 

• Set drinking limits and stick to them. Use apps or websites like DrinkFox to determine your limits. 

• Do not drive or get into a vehicle if you or someone you are with are under the influence of alcohol. 

• Remember, the legal drinking age in New Brunswick is 19. 

Canada's Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines 

These guidelines can help you make informed decisions about drinking. The guidelines recommend setting limits to help you reduce the acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) health risks of alcohol use. 

It is important to keep in mind that: 

the intention of these guidelines is not to encourage people who abstain (for cultural, spiritual, health or other reasons) to start drinking 

these are "low-risk" guidelines, not "no-risk" guidelines. Any amount of alcohol consumption can have risks to your health 

Knowing Your Limits with Alcohol: A Practical Guide to Assessing Your Drinking (ccsa.ca) 

This guide provides tips and guidance for individuals considering changing their alcohol consumption to a lower-risk level. This self-help resource can be used independently or with the guidance of a healthcare provider. 

Mount Allison takes a harm-reduction approach when it comes to cannabis use, by promoting cannabis literacy and engaging campus members in discussion and information sharing around responsible use and staying safe. 

Knowing Your Limits with Cannabis: A Practical Guide to Assessing Your Cannabis Use (ccsa.ca)

This guide has been developed to help you think about your cannabis use and to provide you with information about cannabis. It has tips and tools that can help you reduce your cannabis use or help you address some of the health risks of using cannabis.

Guide to (NOT) Greening Out – Get Sensible

The Sensible Cannabis Education toolkit and the Get Sensible campaign responds to calls for the development and dissemination of realistic and evidence-based cannabis education for youth.

The Umbrella Project Training

This guide provides online training and resources to help staff and faculty become more familiar with harm reduction and how they can support students and contribute to a healthier, safer campus. Harm reduction is an umbrella term for policies and practices focused on reducing the problematic effects of alcohol and other drug use.

Responsible Beverage​​​​​​

In NB, this training is required for those who serve alcohol in licensed establishments.

St. John Ambulance Opioid Poisoning Response Training Program (OPRT):

The program consists of a 120-minute course delivered in a virtual classroom, which includes training on how to administer nasal Naloxone 

Follow updates from the Wellness Centre or @navigateMtA for training opportunities on campus, virtually, or in the community  

NEED TO TALK NOW? The NB Addiction and Mental Health Helpline is just a phone call away:
1-866-355-5550

Horizon Health has counselling clinicians in Sackville (23 York St.) weekly to provide mental health and addiction services free of charge. Call (506) 856-2444 to book and appointment.

Brave Space- Safe and Sober

If you’re a student who struggles with alcohol or drugs and wants to stay sober, the Mawita’mkw Indigenous Gathering Space (WMSC Room 130) welcomes ALL students to Brave Space.  If you’re feeling lonely, need to have a chat, feel stressed out, or need a change of scenery, a diverse group of students will be at the centre during open hours. Coffee and snacks are available.  

Our team at the Wellness Centre can also support you. For more information, please visit www.mta.ca/wellness   

Other supports

Alcoholics Anonymous: 1-506-388-7010 

Narcotics Anonymous: 1-888-436-2929  

Gambling Hotline:  1-800-461-1234  

Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction   

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health  

Horizon Addictions and Mental Health Services  

Vitalité Mental Health and Addiction Services  

Students planning an event on campus are required to submit a Risk Assessment Form to the Student Life Office. Email studentlife@mta.ca.

The security office plays a crucial role in assisting the enforcement and upholding the university code of conduct with the Student Life Office. Their responsibilities generally include:
 
1. Maintaining Safety and Order: The security office ensures the safety and security of all members of the university community, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors. They monitor campus premises, respond to emergencies, and take appropriate action to prevent and address incidents that could disrupt the peaceful environment of the campus.
 
2. Enforcing Code of Conduct: The security office collaborates with the Student Life Office to enforce the code of conduct. They may patrol the campus, investigate reports of misconduct, and intervene when violations occur. This could involve addressing issues such as vandalism, theft, harassment, or any other behavior that goes against the Student Code of Conduct.
 
3. Collaboration with Campus Officials: The security office often works closely with university officials, such as the Director of Student Life, Residence Life staff, Director of Accessibility and Student Wellness, and other administrative bodies responsible for enforcing the code of conduct. They share information, coordinate efforts, and provide support in disciplinary processes as needed.
 
4. Investigations and Reporting: In cases of alleged violations, the security office may conduct investigations to gather evidence and facts. They document incidents, maintain records, and provide information to support the university's disciplinary procedures.
 
5. Supporting Student Development: While their primary role is to enforce rules, security officers may also contribute to the overall development of students by guiding them on responsible behavior, conflict resolution, and personal safety.

Event Service Students (ESS), like the security office, are used to keep events safe. ESS are required to be at all campus events that have alcohol.

Chairs

• Robin Walker, Interim Director of Student Experience
• Cindy Crossman, Interim Director of Accessibility and Wellness

Students

• Cailean Clements, Vice-President Student Life (MASU)
• Kris Girouard, Director of Entertainment and Activities (MASU)
• SunMin Park, Health Services Coordinator (MASU)
• Oliver Batchilder, Health and Wellness Intern

Staff

• Andy Hebert, Manager of Security and Ancillary Services
• Scott Peters, Indigenous Student Advisor
• Neil MacEachern, Director, Athletics and Recreation
• Judy Kline, Wellness Strategist
• Rohil Basapa, Residence Life Coordinator
• Rene Ross, Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Coordinator
• Charles Douglas, Residence Life Manager
• Cassie Rodriguez, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Student Advisor
• Darcy Cormier, Registered Social Worker

Faculty

• Christiana MacDougall, Sociology, Feminist and Gender Studies
• Vacant