Starting the Conversation about Safety and Substance Use
The Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Peer Educators believe that students are capable
of navigating situations where substance use is prevalent and making decisions that
reduce harmful consequences for themselves and their peers when they are provided
with information and strategies. Through peer-to-peer education and outreach, comprehensive
programming, and by providing support and access to resources, the peer educators
empowers students to make safer decisions that will enhance their academic and personal
success.
General Information
Who We Are
The ATOD Peer Education Program strives to challenge myths and explore norms about
substance use and abuse on the Towson University campus. Peer Educators are passionate
about educating their peers on safe substance use, including harm reduction tips and
strategies. They are also advocates in the fight to reduce stigma towards addiction
and recovery.
What We Do
The ATOD Peer Educators:
- Attend weekly meetings
- Lead tabling outreach events
- Plan small and large scale events around high-risk times of year
- Provide workshops and presentations to various student organizations, classrooms,
sports teams, and Greek Life groups
- Design and implement social media campaigns
- Represent the TUCC and ATOD Prevention Center
What do ATOD Peer Educators Present or Discuss?
ATOD Peer Educators present on a variety of topics including (but not limited to):
- Binge Drinking
- Risks/effects of alcohol
- Blood alcohol level calculations
- Drinking and Driving
- Marijuana
- Other illicit drugs (e.g. ecstasy, heroin, cocaine)
- Prescription drug abuse
- Tobacco (off campus)
- Myths about college use
- Secondary effects of substance use
- Presentations are tailored to the needs of both of those who requests the program
and the target audience
Getting Involved
Training
Our peer educators receive extensive training in skills related to leadership, program
development, needs assessment, and evaluation. The ATOD Peer Educators also receive
specific training in understanding the dimensions of wellness, the harm reduction
continuum, substance use trends on our campus as well as national trends, and important
information/language about substance use addiction and recovery.
Why Participate?
The opportunity to join peer education provides a unique professional development
opportunity for our undergraduates. Peer educators serve as leaders on our campus
while representing two crucial campus departments. Students who join peer education
not only get to enhance their skills in public speaking and program planning, they
also get to build connection with their fellow peers who share their same passions.
Peer education can open many doors for future learning and career opportunities. For
those who are energized by health and wellness, peer education is the perfect place
to grow.
Interested in becoming a peer educator?
Apply Now
Workshops and Programs
Interested in requesting an alcohol or other drug workshop? Please complete this ATOD
Program Request Form through the ATOD Prevention Center website. All workshops and
programs can be tailored for particular populations.
Guidelines
- Requests must be made with at least 2-week notice
- Workshops range between 30 minutes - 60 minutes and require A/V
View our workshops and submit your requests below.
Workshops & Programs Menu
Alcohol 101
A guided discussion about basic alcohol facts, recognizing alcohol poisoning, and
the dangers of mixing alcohol with other substances. Students will learn the definition
of harm reduction and strategies that they can use to make safer choices if they choose
to drink. This workshop will also help students learn how to talk to a friend they
are concerned about as well as understand how to connect them to TU resources.
Alcohol & Marijuana 101
This interactive, evidence-based workshop provides an overview of what students need
to know about alcohol and marijuana and the effects they cause on the body. Students
will engage in discussions about perceptions of use and learn about harm reduction
strategies. They will also be taught both Maryland state and TU laws and policies
about substance use.
Alcohol and Stress
A discussion-based workshop designed to teach students about the stress response,
while exploring their own experiences with stress. Students will learn about why some
people use alcohol as a coping mechanism and how that impacts the body. They will
be challenged to think about alternative coping strategies, forms of self-care, and
ways they can make more informed and safer choices with alcohol.
Recovery Ally Training
This training will teach you how to support students in recovery from substance use
disorders. Upon completion of this one hour training, you will receive a Recovery
Ally sticker, which you can display to show your support. The Recovery Ally Training
is available for all members of the TU community.
Safe Medication Practices for Life
This presentation provides an overview of Generation Rx University messages designed
to educate college students toward “safe medication practices for life.” We will focus
on specific issues relating to opioid, stimulant, and sedative medications, as well
as some key general guidelines for safe medication-taking practices.
Substance Use Jeopardy
This interactive jeopardy-style workshop will teach students about multiple different
substances (alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco/vaping) as well as different TU resources.
This 1 hour game is fast-paced and high energy and is a great option for residence
halls.
Turn-Up Trivia
A highly interactive Kahoot-style trivia game designed to test student knowledge about
alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and other drug use. Students will be asked to identify
party-smart strategies, on and off-campus substance use laws and policies, as well
as develop greater understanding of the impact of substance use on the body. Depending
on size of group, the trivia game can be played by teams or individual players. Prizes
will be given to game winners.
To request a program, fill out the form and a representative from the Counseling Center
will contact you.
Program Request
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