Drinking alcohol is legal in Ireland, however its potential for harm can be underestimated. Maynooth University, recognising the place of alcohol consumption in many areas of society, considers it important to create an environment within the University which promotes a sensible attitude to drinking, while accepting the potential of alcohol abuse to adversely affect well-being. You can find our policy here: Maynooth University Alcohol policy
A ‘standard drink’ is a measure of alcohol which contains 10 grams of pure alcohol. Examples include a half pint of 4.5% lager, 100ml glass of 12.5% wine and a pub measure of 40% spirits. You can use the standard drinks calculator from drinkaware.ie to see how the content can vary in different drinks. Remember, it takes your body approximately 1 hour to process one standard drink. This is a guide only as many factors affect this time (e.g. age, gender, weight, alcohol strength, speed of your metabolism and the number of drinks consumed).
If you're curious about the part alcohol is playing in your life, or how alcohol might impact on your behaviour and health, or even just how much alcohol is costing you in a year, check out: http://spunout.ie/health/category/drugs-and-alcohol or http://askaboutalcohol.ie
Unlike alcohol, drug use is not legal in Ireland. In addition, there are health and wellbeing risks even with casual use. More specific information on types of drugs, drug testing, dangers, legal implications etc. can be found on drugs.ie
As drug use can negatively impact your social/mental/physical health and wellbeing with the added complication of legal implications, it’s always safest to not use drugs. However, Maynooth University recognise drug use does happen and wish to provide information and signpost to supports if you or someone you know is struggling with drug use or addiction.
If you want to live a long life one of the best things you can do is not smoke.
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in Ireland with almost 6,000 smokers dying each year from tobacco related diseases. Cigarettes contain over 4000 toxic chemicals, (many proven to cause cancer) and smoking harms nearly every organ of the body. If you are a long-term smoker, on average, your life expectancy is about 10 years less than a non-smoker. The younger you are when you start smoking, the more likely you are to smoke for longer and to die early from smoking (Health, Service Executive).
While we are still learning about the long-term risks of vaping (because e-cigarettes are relatively new compared to regular cigarettes), the HSE has identified some risks and negative health effects linked with vaping. These include:
- nicotine dependence
- injuries - for example, from defective e-cigarette batteries
- poisoning and exposure to toxins
- changes to how your heart, lungs and other organs normally work
- vaping liquid that does not contain nicotine often has other chemicals such as colours and flavourings. These chemicals can be harmful when you inhale them into your lungs.
In light of the serious health risks and accordance with current legislation - Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2004 smoking is not allowed in any building on the University Campus. The University Safety Committee have also reviewed E-Cigarettes and Nicotine Vaporisers and the use of these devices in University buildings is not allowed.
We know that quitting smoking can be incredibly difficult. We want to support you on that journey. You can take the first step to a nicotine-free life by contacting the HSE freephone 1800 201 203 or free text QUIT to 50100 to get support.
The Healthy Campus Office have FREE HelpToQuit kits available on campus (just email healthycampus@mu.ie to arrange collection) and staff at our Student Health Centre | Maynooth University are happy to talk to you and give advice about quitting.
NOTE: Vapes can be disposed of in the blue WEEE battery boxes found in many academic departments and offices across campus. If the box is full, log a call through Campus Services requesting 'Transport' from the location to the closest WEEE barrel, either in EOLAS or Post Room (South Campus).
