The Pomeroy Promise - Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

The Pomeroy Promise recognizes that the experiences of SMWC students are unique – that each of their stories matters – and that all are deserving of help and hope.

The Pomeroy Promise recognizes that perceptions and reality can be very different. The goal is to decrease the stigma surrounding substance use disorders, increase awareness about social norms surrounding alcohol and substance use and increase awareness about resources for support.

Students at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College can find support for substance use issues by contacting the Student Counseling & Wellness Center. Services are confidential and free.

Pomeroys promise to:

1. Be an active bystander
Over-consuming alcohol can lead to scary and questionable behaviors. When witnessing this, it’s easy to assume someone else will get involved to help resolve the situation. Especially when the bystanders fear they may get in trouble for their own behavior.

Everyone’s safety matters. Don’t hesitate to intervene. Call 911. Get help.

The Indiana Lifeline Law provides immunity against public intoxication, possession, consumption and transport of alcohol among minors when law enforcement is called in an alcohol-related emergency.

2. Live their values
We’ve all seen how college is portrayed in movies and the media. Images of raging parties and altered states of consciousness. We anticipate a radical change in values or sense of self. We all grow up with the idea that certain behaviors are a time-honored tradition of the college experience.

But, alcohol consumption among college students has continued to decrease over the last ten years. More and more students chose not to drink. Or smoke. Or “party”. Values may evolve as we grow, but college students are more committed than ever to living according to their values rather than according to pop culture.

3. Practice responsible drinking
We all recognize that drinking will happen. But how frequently it happens and how much alcohol is consumed makes the difference between a social behavior and a problematic one. Knowing the alcoholic content of a standard pour, moderating your consumption and never driving or participating in risky behavior while drinking is how responsible consumers behave.

4. Respect and support those in recovery
Students in recovery have made drastic changes to improve their health and quality of life. Their continued path of sobriety is difficult, and they deserve the respect and support of those around them. Respecting their recovery includes not pressuring them to engage in self-destructive behaviors, providing support in times of temptation and creating/participating in substance-free events.

5. Acknowledge the risks in consuming THC
With the continued changes in the legality of possession and consumption of THC products across the country, cannabis use is on the rise among college students. But while many may participate in consuming these products to elicit feelings of calm, the opposite can also happen. Severe anxiety, paranoia, agitation, nausea and even hallucinations can be byproducts of THC – especially when consumed in large quantities or you are unaware of its concentration or your tolerance to the product. Like alcohol, responsible consumers of THC products should never drive or participate in risky behaviors while under the influence.

6. Understand substance use interactions
With around 20% of college students regularly taking antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication regularly, the risk for drug interactions with substance use is remarkably high. Alcohol consumption on SSRIs, benzodiazepines and other psychoactive drugs is incredibly dangerous and increases the severity of side effects for both medication and substance.

Additionally, mixing drugs common for ADHD (stimulants) with depressants (alcohol, cannabis and opioids) is equally dangerous, resulting in an increased rate of hospitalizations as more substance users are also otherwise medicated.

7. Know personal limits
Any type of substance use can significantly impact your ability to think critically. When drinking, consuming THC products or engaging in other substance use – speed is not the key. Pace yourself. These substances can be slow to take effect, and so overloading your body with the intent to feel the effect faster can significantly impair your ability to function. If you choose to part-take, take it easy.