Drugs and alcohol | Student blog

Your ultimate Halloween harm reduction guide

Student Communications | 19 October 202619 October 2026

by Becky

Spooky season is here! Halloween should be about great memories, not A&E visits, or rough hangovers. Here’s your quick checklist to look out for yourself and your mates this weekend.

Take it easy and line your stomach

Alcohol affects your body much faster on an empty stomach. Make sure to eat a decent meal before heading out. Swap in water or soft drinks between alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated and keep your energy levels steady throughout the night.

Out together, home together

It’s easy to get separated in crowded, dark venues, so look out for each other and make sure no one is left walking home alone. A good way to make sure this happens is to get your phone fully charged before your night out or double-check night bus schedules before you leave.

Check out Bristol Safe Space at Night – run by friendly volunteers from 10pm to 4am in the city centre, it’s a safe, welcoming spot if you ever need a hand—whether that’s charging your phone, picking up period products, or just taking a breather.

Research the Risk, Reduce the Harm

If you or your friends choose to use substances, keeping basic harm reduction practices in mind can significantly reduce risk:

Check your substances: illicit drugs can contain unexpected and potentially dangerous adulterants or mis-sold compounds. Using a reagent testing kit allows you to test for unknown agents before making a decision.
You can collect a home testing kit at Bower Ashton on Thursday 29 October from 11:00 – 15:00, or visit The Loop’s drug checking service at the Bristol Drugs Project on Saturday 31 October (12:00-20:00) for comprehensive analysis and confidential advice.
Start Low and Go Slow: potency can vary wildly. Wait to gauge the effects before considering taking more.
Avoid mixing: combining different substances—including alcohol, prescription medication, and illicit drugs—unpredictably increases strain on your body and mind. Check out Drugsand.Me to understand the risks of using more than one substance at a time.
Know the signs of an emergency: unresponsiveness, shallow breathing, extreme overheating, or confusion require immediate attention. Bristol is a Harm Reduction City, and our nightlife venues are fully onboard—never hesitate to call 999 or alert venue staff and first aiders. Medical help always comes first: no judgment, no trouble.

Don’t be a creep

Spiking is a serious, illegal act of harm committed by perpetrators—never the fault of the person targeted. Venue staff, security, and local support teams take any attempt to contaminate drinks seriously.

If you suspect spiking: report it immediately to bar or venue staff, security, or a welfare officer so they can intervene, support the person affected, and address the perpetrator.
Protective tools available: anti-spiking covers and test strips are available at venue bars and in our toolkits as an extra layer of reassurance.

Look out for your mates

If someone in your group starts feeling unwell, anxious, or overly intoxicated, take them to a quiet, well-lit space, offer water if appropriate, and seek help from venue welfare staff or emergency services if you’re concerned.

Grab your harm reduction toolkit next Friday

Want to make sure you’re fully prepared for the weekend? We’ve got you covered. Come along to the Students’ Union Bar (Union 2) on Frenchay Campus next Friday (30 October) between 12:00 and 14:00 to pick up your free harm reduction toolkit.

What’s in the kit?

Drink anti-spiking devices: pop the device in the top of your bottle or glass.
Unit cups for pre-drinks: know how much you’ve drunk before you head into town.
Harm reduction guides: resources on substance effects, mixing risks, and emergency first aid.

Pop by our table, grab your free kit, chat with the team, and equip yourself for a safe, fun Halloween weekend!

Need advice or support?

Remember, student support services and the UWE Drug and Alcohol Service are always here for confidential, non-judgmental advice and support.

Do you know what harm reduction means?

Student Communications | 6 August 202618 August 2026

What do you think the University’s policy is towards drugs and alcohol? Do you know what harm reduction means in relation to drugs and alcohol?

And would you know where to go for support if you wanted to know how a certain substance might affect you, or if you wanted to make a change?

These were all questions we asked students to get a better idea of what they understood about the University’s approach to drugs and alcohol.

It turns out many of you don’t know the answers to these questions and unsurprisingly a large number of the students we asked, assumed that the University has a zero-tolerance policy approach to drugs. But we’re here to tell you that that’s not true.

UWE has a harm reduction approach to drugs including alcohol, which means that whilst we don’t endorse the use of these substances, we recognise that students may choose to do so.

Whilst we recommend you take some time to look at the policy, we’ve created this image summarising what’s in there.

Not knowing the University’s policy could mean that you or your friends might be reluctant to ask for help or access support.

That’s why we run our harm reduction campaign all year round. To open up the conversation about drugs and alcohol and to make sure you know where you can go for support. Especially as we have Becky, our Specialist Drugs and Alcohol Practitioner, who can support you with any aspect of substance use.

The aim of the campaign is to get you to think about substance use, ask yourself questions and judge for yourself whether you need to be safer, make a change or get support.

Because if know the risks you can reduce the harm, so when you see the posters around campus scan the QR code and contact Becky if you want to know more.

– The Student Communications team

Student Drug and Alcohol Steering Group scoops collaboration award!

Student Communications | 1 June 20264 June 2026

by Becky

This award specifically celebrates teams of students and staff who join forces to deliver campaigns or initiatives that make a genuine, positive impact on student life.

The judges were looking for true partnership—projects where student insights and staff expertise combine to create something powerful. The Student Drug & Alcohol Steering Group did exactly that…for the second year in a row!

Why we won: The Ketamine Campaign

While the group works hard year-round to keep our community safe and informed, it was the recent Ketamine Campaign that truly stole the spotlight.

The initiative was highlighted by the judging panel for making a tangible, life-changing difference to student lives. By focusing on harm reduction, education and safety the campaign met students exactly where they were and provided them with what they needed.

A true student-staff partnership

What makes this win so special is how the work gets done. The Student Steering Group brings together a diverse mix of student representatives and university staff.

Want to get involved?

This award belongs to everyone who engaged with the campaign, shared the resources and looked out for their mates. The Steering Group is always looking for fresh perspectives to help shape future initiatives.

If you are passionate about student wellbeing and want to be part of an award-winning team, complete our form and expect to hear from us in the Autumn: Expression of interest Student-Led Drug & Alcohol Steering Group

Huge congratulations to everyone involved in the Steering Group—thank you for keeping our campus safe, supportive, and collaborative!

Staying safe during festival season: Your ultimate guide

Student Communications | 20 April 202620 April 2026

by Becky Risley

For many of you, the end of term is more than just a break—it’s the official kick off to festival season. Whether you’re heading to a local day-fest or camping out for a long weekend, we want you to feel confident in knowing how to research the risks and reduce the harm this summer!

Pace yourself (it’s a marathon, not a sprint)

Festivals are high-energy environments. Between the dancing, the walking, and the sensory overload, your body is working harder than usual.

Hydrate: Locate the free water refill points as soon as you arrive and use them.
Refuel: Your brain needs more than just vibes to function. Sit down, grab some food, and take actual breaks away from the speakers.

Be in the know

The Buddy System: Make sure your friends know what you’ve taken, and check in on them, too. If someone feels unwell, knowing exactly what they’ve consumed allows medical teams to help much faster, check out the Drugs Related Emergencies resource.
Map it Out: Before the part starts, familiarise yourself with the medical and welfare tent, knowing where to go in an emergency.

Do your research

If you’re planning to use any substances, including alcohol. It is your responsibility to understand the effects and risks.

Harm reduction advice and information: Visit our drug and alcohol webpage.
Harm reduction guides: You can find advice on how to look after yourself before, during and after, taking certain substances via our harm reduction guide blog series. Downloadable PDF’s are also available on the webpage above.
Leave the Mixing to the DJ: Mixing substances is where the danger increases exponentially.
Alcohol is a Drug: Remember that alcohol interacts with almost everything.
Check Interactions: If you are considering using more than one substance, visit drugsandme for reliable, evidence-based info on how different drugs interact and how to reduce harm.

Out together, home together

Don’t be the person wandering the campsite alone at 3:00 AM.

The “Meeting Spot”: Pick a physical landmark (like a specific food stall—not a flag that moves!) to meet at if you get separated.
The Exit Strategy: Plan your journey home before you’re tired and disoriented. If you’re in a new city, pre-book your taxi or download the local transport maps.

Support and resources

You don’t have to navigate this alone. We are here to support you without judgment:

SU Harm Reduction: Check out the Students’ Union website for more tips and resources.
One-on-One Advice: Want a confidential chat? Book an appointment with UWE’s Drug & Alcohol Practitioner for professional advice, info, and support tailored to you.

Launch of a new drug testing pilot

Student Communications | 9 April 20269 April 2026

In March 2026, The Students’ Union at UWE partnered with Bristol Drugs Project (BDP) to launch a new drug testing kit pilot across Frenchay and Bower Campuses. The pilot runs on a drop-in basis so students can come along to a pop-up at a campus site of their choosing.

We launched this pilot following conversations with students at various drug and alcohol events and via online interactions, whereby they expressed an interest in testing kits. This shows a growing awareness among students of the risks associated with substance use, a desire for practical tools to mitigate those risks and the confidence and knowledge that this is a safe environment to do so.

During drop-in sessions, students picking up a kit will get the chance to speak to a practitioner from BDP for around 5 to 20 minutes (dependant on how many questions they have) who’ll ask them about their experiences with taking and testing drugs. They’ll also be shown how to use a reagent kit and be offered advice on how to interpret the result and risks associated.

The first session saw a high level of engagement at Frenchay Campus, with 30 reagent kits distributed and 17 students engaging in conversations about drug safety and harm reduction. Students not only took kits for themselves but took them home for friends.

Our second session was over at Bower Ashton Campus where we had 10 students engage in conversations and over 15 kits were given out.

If you’re interested in picking up your own at home reagent testing kit come along to one of our next pop-ups:

Frenchay Campus – The Students’ Union, Meeting Room 4
Thursday 23 April: 11:00 – 15:00
Thursday 21 May: 11:00 – 15:00

Bower Ashton Campus – B Block, Room 0B018
Thursday 7 May: 11:00 – 15:00

If you would like to find out more about our harm reduction approach to student drug and alcohol use you can:

Visit our webpages for more harm reduction advice and guidance:

Drugs Including Alcohol and Drugs and alcohol
Staying happy and healthy | UWE Bristol
Sign up to be part of our Student Steering Group: Expression of interest
Book an appointment with UWE’s Drug and Alcohol Service

How does Ketamine affect your bladder?

Student Communications | 2 February 2026

by Becky Risley

Ketamine – some people use it recreationally for fun, others are drawn to it to manage mental health and trauma.

But there’s something you may not have heard about, Ketamine Bladder Syndrome, also known as Ketamine Cystitis. It’s a serious condition that can sneak up on people who use Ketamine, even those who only use it occasionally.

So, let’s talk about what it is, how to spot it early and what you can do to protect yourself.

What is your bladder and why does Ketamine affect it?

Your bladder is a round, stretchy organ behind your pelvic bone that stores urine. Think of it like a balloon—it fills up and expands, and when it’s full, you go to the bathroom. But when Ketamine breakdowns to be excreted it passes through the bladder, this can damage the cells lining it.

These protective cells (called epithelial or “umbrella” cells) normally keep urine from irritating the bladder wall. If those cells get wrecked, urine can leak deeper into the bladder lining and start doing real damage.

Early symptoms of Ketamine bladder syndrome

Watch out for these signs—they often start gradually:

Needing to urinate more often than usual
Feeling a sudden, intense need to urinate
Pelvic pain or pressure
Waking up at night to urinate

If the damage keeps getting worse, you might also experience:

Incontinence – urine leaking out when you’re not trying to pee
Blood in your urine which might look brownish orange
Reduced bladder capacity where your bladder becomes stiff and holds less urine
Erectile dysfunction (in men)

Can the damage be reversed?

Yes—if you catch it early and stop using Ketamine. In many cases, quitting can significantly reduce or even eliminate symptoms. But if the damage continues unchecked, it can become permanent, leading to lifelong bladder problems that may require surgery.

How much Ketamine is too much?

This is the tricky part: there’s no guaranteed “safe” amount. Most studies focus on people using multiple grams per day, but even moderate users (1–4 times a month) have reported symptoms.

One large survey found that over 1 in 4 Ketamine users experienced bladder issues—and 70% of them weren’t using daily. The more often and the more you use, the higher your risk of bladder damage.

What should you do if you’re having symptoms?

Speak to your GP – the sooner they are involved the sooner a referral to Urology services can be made if needed.
Stop using Ketamine – we understand it may not be that easy but you don’t have to do it alone. Book an appointment with UWE’s Drug & Alcohol Practitioner or seek support from your local drug and alcohol service.

Even if it takes weeks to feel better, many people see improvement after quitting. But be careful – you may be drawn to using more Ketamine to deal with the pain, since it has pain-relieving properties. That only makes the situation worse.

If symptoms are severe or not going away, see a doctor. There are treatments that can help reduce pain and begin healing the bladder.

Can Ketamine damage anything else?

Yes. Long-term use has also been linked to damage in other organs like the gallbladder, and research is still uncovering more.

Septum and nasal passages will be irritated and can inflamed from regular snorting of any substance, but following harm reduction advice around snorting, can reduce some of the harm.

If you still choose to use…

We get it—some people aren’t ready to stop completely. If you choose to keep using Ketamine, here are a few tips to reduce your risk:

Use less, less often – that alone helps a lot.
Stay hydrated and give your bladder time to recover between uses.
Book an appointment with UWE’s Drug & Alcohol Practitioner to explore more ways to reduce the harm.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on our harm reduction work related to Ketamine including how you found this blog post!

Complete our survey to give us your feedback – it only takes a couple of minutes to complete and you’ll be helping us understand the reach of our harm reduction campaigns.

Gentle January – How to avoid toxic health myths

Student Communications | 26 January 202626 January 2026

Many of you know by now that the New Year is an awful time to be making extreme changes to your health.

Although we are starting to turn away from ‘new year new me’ fad diets, detoxes and unsustainable work outs goals, it can be hard to not let the noise around a new year impact how we see ourselves and motivate ourselves for the year ahead. Let’s take a look at ways you can have a more gentle January, by listening to your body and being kinder to yourself.

First of all, let’s look at the harm it can cause…

Juice cleanses, keto, macros, fasting, detoxing, squat challenges, bootcamps…We’ve all heard the buzzwords around this time of year and hopefully you all know to steer well clear. Fad diets and gimmick workouts work by tapping into an idea that you need to ‘get back on track’ after the indulgence of Christmas and New Year and that setting unrealistic, harmful and unsustainable diet and exercise goals will help us ‘hack’ our way into health quickly.

Jumping into a rigorous exercise schedule can lead to injury or burn out, not to mention it’s really hard to maintain, which can also impact our mental health if we feel like we are ‘failing’.

Detoxes and strict diets can lead to nutrient deficiencies, illness, long term hunger, as well a problematic relationship with food and eating. The idea of ‘detoxing’ is also a myth in itself; we have our own built-in detox system that works 24/7 to keep us healthy – our liver and kidneys!

To add to this, January isn’t exactly a time of year where everyone is flush. Gym memberships, supplements and new diets can be expensive and rigorous exercise schedules can take away from revision and rest time if you have hand-ins and assessments through January. Try and avoid this overwhelm and give yourself a break!

Time to reframe the new year?

We shouldn’t shame ourselves for having a great time over the festive period. You’ve had a long year, worked hard and deserve to enjoy nice food and drink with friends and family.

January in the UK is a time of cold nights, wet weather and lack of sunlight. It’s no wonder you aren’t feeling motivated right now – we are in our hibernation era! Lack of sunlight can affect mood and energy levels, making it harder to stick to big lifestyle changes. Follow nature’s lead and consider moving any big changes to the spring months. More daylight and warmer temperatures naturally boost mood and energy levels. This makes it easier to get outside, exercise, and feel motivated. Spring is associated with growth and renewal. Plants are blooming and days feel brighter. This psychological ‘fresh start’ effect can make goals feel more achievable, as well as helping you feel like you have more energy and motivation.

What can I do instead?

ry and think of health and wellness as progress, not perfection. Find small, achievable wins and focus on how you feel, not how you look. This could mean small initial steps to be consistent and build healthy habits. Things like reducing your screen time, drinking more water, setting up a regular sleep pattern and making sure you get outside at least once a day is a great way to build up to other things as the year progresses.

Prioritise a varied diet, eat the rainbow and find meal ideas that keep you fuller for longer and make you feel good. Remember to speak to a GP if you think you may be deficient in any key vitamins, but a good place to start is Vitamin D, especially as the government recommends that most adults should be taking this in Autumn and Winter.

Try and find a way of moving your body that you can maintain and easily make a habit of. The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week. This could be anything from walking, dancing, riding bike, all the way through to exercise classes or sports. Find what feels good for your body, what you have time and energy for and go from there.

Screen time can also play a huge part in how you feel about yourself. Maybe it’s time to ‘curate’ your social media? Unfollow or mute accounts that promote extreme diets, “detoxes,” or unrealistic body goals. Remove celebs who are promoting products, schemes or diets. It’s all about money! You can also tailor your feeds to your interests to really make sure nothing is sneaking in that you don’t want to see. Try and be your own topic filter in real life too, carefully dip out or gently shut down conversations that you feel are tapping into problematic topics or habits. You can say: ‘I’d rather not talk about diets, can we change the subject?’ or ‘I’m not much of an exercise talker but I’m glad something is working for you’.

Get help if you need it

If you’re struggling this time of year, you are not alone. We have a range of resources from self help, helplines, apps and health service teams. Find what works for you here.

For further information, check out these pages on our website:

Staying happy and healthy whilst studying with us
Eating well
Drugs and alcohol

Real health is about balance, not extremes. Start the year by caring for your body and mind in sustainable ways – you’ll thank yourself later.

Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week

Student Communications | 15 January 202615 January 2026

We loved engaging with so many of you during UWE’s Drugs and Alcohol Awareness Week!

Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week is a key time in the harm reduction calendar, as it gives us the chance to chat to you about your alcohol and drug usage, share harm reduction information and get some insight. We do a big push on the Drug and Alcohol survey during this week as the data informs all our harm reduction work, from support interventions to campaigns and events.

This year we saw a record number of responses so a huge thank you to all that completed the survey! One student filling out the survey said, “some of these questions are really interesting… makes you think differently about alcohol use.”

The week also saw some fantastic activities hosted by The Student’s Union and UWE from pizza parties to Drink Rethink.

Not heard of Drink Rethink? This is one of our most popular events and doesn’t just take place during Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week. It’s delivered by fellow students who have been trained to use a nationally recognized evidence-based behaviour change tool AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test). Our student ambassadors give out freebies such as sweet treats, unit measure cups and even mocktails.

Students who attended the event said:

“Thank you so much, this was so informative, you’re doing such important work.”

“I can’t believe how many units there are in a bottle of wine, I wouldn’t have known if it wasn’t for this.”

Sober curiosity

Student Communications | 13 January 202613 January 2026

January is the perfect time for a reset. For some students, that means exploring sober curiosity—a growing movement focused on questioning your relationship with alcohol and embracing mindful choices.

Whether you’re taking part in Dry January, cutting back, or simply curious, this blog is for you!

Why sober curiosity? The student perspective

According to the SOS-UK Drug & Alcohol Impact Survey, which gathered insights from over 11,800 students across UK universities, attitudes toward alcohol are shifting:

Many students report drinking less frequently than previous generations.
Health, mental wellbeing and financial savings are top motivators for reducing alcohol use.
A significant number of students want more alcohol-free social options on campus and our Student’s Union and Student Life Team do a great job at making sure there is something for everyone.

These findings show that sober curiosity isn’t about restriction—it’s about choice and empowerment.

Why January is the perfect time

Starting the year alcohol-free can boost your energy, improve sleep, and help you focus on your studies.

January is often a time for setting new goals and reducing alcohol can increase your motivation. And lets be honest, after an expensive December, saving extra cash is always welcome. Plus, discovering new ways to socialise without relying on alcohol is a valuable skill—especially at university. In a society where drinking is often encouraged, learning to say no when it doesn’t feel right and finding a social life beyond the pub can be empowering.

How to start your sober curious journey

Reflect on your why: journal your reasons—health, focus, finances, or curiosity.

Set realistic goals: try a month of no alcohol or maybe, alcohol-free weekdays, or just limit drinking to special occasions.

Find your community: connect with Sober Girl Society or start a sober-curious group at UWE. Bristol also has some excellent sober raves happening this January.

Explore alternatives: why not explore the range of mocktails available at The Students’ Union bar? And did you know Bristol saw the opening of its first alcohol-free bar last year?

Stay informed: There are some great books available on going sober. The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober and This Naked Mind are particularly good, or if you’d rather listen to something on the go, This Naked Mind is also a podcast.

Need some extra support?

Book an appointment with UWE’s Drug & Alcohol Practitioner.

Your harm reduction guide to Christmas

Student Communications | 3 December 20253 December 2025

by Becky Risley

With Christmas and the end of term around the corner, many of us will be excited to see loved ones and celebrate with friends and family. But with these celebrations sometimes comes a pressure to socialise when you’re not really feeling it or go on nights out often involving alcohol and other substances.

Here’s my top tips and advice for how to stay safe, happy, and healthy during the festive period.

Plan your night out

Many different factors can impact how alcohol and drugs affects us, such as how well we slept, what we’ve eaten and drank that day, and the environment we choose to use in.

Using any substance in an environment we’re not familiar with, or with people we don’t know or trust, can make us feel uneasy and unsafe and can change the experience of a substance. So, before a night out, think about how you’re feeling and where and who you’re going with.

Are you in a good state of mind to do this right now? Is this a safe environment for you to do this in? Who are you with? Do you feel safe with them?

It’s also a good idea to plan how you’re getting home before you go out, so you’re not left stranded at the end of the night.

Check out our drug and alcohol leaflets

We want to make sure you’re safe, whatever substance you choose to use. That’s why we’ve created a series of guidance telling you how you to look after yourself, before, during and after using a substance. Download, read and keep the leaflets below for when you need them.

Ketamine Leaflet Download

Cannabis Leaflet Download

MDMA Leaflet Download

Cocaine Leaflet Download

Alcohol Leaflet Download

Avoiding hangxiety

Hangxiety, or ‘beer fear’ is the term used to describe the crippling feeling of anxiety after a heavy drinking session. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can cause blackouts, which apart from being dangerous, can also leave us feeling very unsettled and anxious the next day when we can’t remember where we have been, who we were with or what we might have done. This along with disturbed sleep, dehydration and the natural mild levels of anxiety caused by alcohol consumption, can leave us with feelings of worry and anxiety.
Everyone can suffer from it but if you experience anxiety in everyday life, you might feel it more intensely than others.

The best thing you can do if you do find yourself with worries from the night before is to get up, drink some water, eat some food and speak to someone. Often just connecting with someone and talking about how you’re feeling can really help.

How to lessen a comedown

A comedown is the term used to describe feeling low, anxious, exhausted or emotionally fragile following a night on stimulants (MDMA, Cocaine, Amphetamine).

Which isn’t surprising when you’ve been dancing until 5am and have drunk very little water – this would mess with your sleep pattern and leave you feeling groggy and grumpy even without the effect of a substance. But whilst using drugs is always going to impact how you feel in the days after, there are things in your control which can lessen the damage.

First, avoid mixing drugs and alcohol. Different substances can have varying side effects which can impact your physical and mental health. The Students’ Union have a helpful guide on how different drugs mixed with alcohol might affect you so take a look at this if you want more information. Mixing drugs and alcohol can also make comedowns more intense and might affect you more if you experience anxiety generally.

Drinking water or isotonic drinks can also help your recovery in the days to come.

Be prepared to say no

Saying no can be challenging at times, especially during the holidays. But it’s necessary if you feel like a certain event, group of people or environment isn’t right for you. This is especially true if you’re in recovery from drugs or alcohol as it’s likely to endanger your sobriety.

Staying in one night when you’re feeling overwhelmed, or leaving a party early is ok. Some people might not understand but only you know what’s best for you in any given situation, so do what you feel is best regardless of how it might make others feel.

And my final piece of advice is to speak to me – your Specialist Drug and Alcohol Practitioner! I’m available right up until the University closes on Friday 19 Dec and will be back when the University reopens on Monday 5 January.

If you need support during the Christmas break you can access a qualified counsellor 24 hours a day 365 days a year using the Wisdom app.

Related blogs

Drugs and alcohol Harm reduction guide