Helping Distressed or Distressing Students

The Student Suspected of Substance Abuse/Addiction

Alcohol is the preferred drug on college campuses and is the most widely used psychoactive drug. Alcohol abusers in college populations tend to abuse other drugs, both prescription and illicit. Patterns of use are affected by fads and peer pressure.

The effects of alcohol on the user are well known. Student alcohol abuse is most often identified by faculty and staff when irresponsible, unpredictable behavior affects the learning, work, or living environment (i.e. drunk and disorderly in class, or office), or when a combination of the health and social impairments associated with alcohol abuse sabotages student performance. Because of the denial that exists in most substance abusers, it is important to express your concern about the student not in terms of suspicions about alcohol and other drugs, but in terms of specific changes in behavior or performance.

DO:

Confront the student with his/her behavior that is of concern

Address the substance abuse issue if the student is open and willing

Offer support and concern for the student's overall well-being

Make a referral to an appropriate helping department or agency (e.g., Counseling Center)

Maintain contact with the student after a referral is made

DON'T:

Convey judgment or criticism about the student's substance abuse

Make allowances for the student's irresponsible behavior

Ignore signs of intoxication in the classroom or workplace

Assume problem is temporary - minimize symptoms