Substance Abuse Counseling and Referral

Counseling Center staff provide short-term individual counseling and intervention to students who are having difficulties or concerns with alcohol- or other substance-related issues. If the Center is unable to provide the type of service you need or request, we will refer you to an appropriate community agency and assist you in obtaining services there. In addition, we develop prevention/education presentations for groups such as housing residents, Greeks, and athletes; and participate on the Substance Abuse Prevention Planning committee.

Risks
Many areas of a person's life can be affected by drug or alcohol use/abuse. A few examples of the risks associated with the use of illicit drugs, abuse of prescription medication, and the abuse of alcohol include:

Health Risks: Abusers have higher than normal incidence of illness, ranging from lethargy, depression, irritability, malnutrition, high blood pressure, deterioration of brain cells, up to the extremes of delirium tremens, cirrhosis of the liver, collapse of the heart or other major organs, and sexually transmitted diseases including HIV complex (AIDS).

Social Impact: Abusers associate with other abusers. They often drop non-using friends and become socially isolated. They can be a major cause of tension and embarrassment at social functions. Drug and alcohol abuse is often a contributing factor in the occurrence of acquaintance rape.

Financial Impact: Abusers develop financial problems because they often spend more than they can afford, sometimes more than they earn for their habit, or they become careless with personal finances.

Effect on Relationships: Family, friends, and co-workers of an abuser will suffer. Families are disrupted emotionally and financially. Co-workers resent abusers who do not carry their share of the workload. A tendency toward angry outbursts or other unreasonable behavior will cause friction in the workplace.

Decrease in Performance: For the abuser, school, work, or social abilities and attendance becomes erratic; falls, cuts, and bruises are more frequent; automobile accidents are the common cause of death or serious injury; victims often include innocent bystanders. A single episode can have life-long consequences.

Legal Consequences: The first arrest for being under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a sign of a problem. Second and additional arrests are an indication a person is chemically dependent. Possession and use of "street drugs" is illegal, thus drug addicts pose a legal problem for everyone with whom they associate, not just themselves.

e-CHUG
e-CHUG (electronic Check-Up to Go) is a brief assessment and personalized feedback tool that allows you to enter information about your drinking behavior and receive feedback about your use of alcohol. This self-guided assessment takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. After completion of the assessment, you will receive information and an explanation of your results. If you are concerned about or interested in receiving feedback about your drinking, you can access the online assessment by following the link below:

e-chug

If you or someone you know may have a substance abuse problem, please contact the Counseling Center at 812/464-1867. We will help you assess your situation and provide information, short-term counseling, or a referral to a community agency for intensive substance abuse services.