Getting Help
You can schedule a meeting with the SAS cooridinator by submitting a meeting request with this online form.
Concern for Self
If you are wondering whether you drink too much, we invite you to complete this free, anonymous questionnaire about your alcohol consumption. In only a few minutes, you can get personalized feedback that will help you decide whether or not a consultation with a campus health professional would be helpful to you. http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/screening/Welcome.aspx
Alcohol Abuse
Many of the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse overlap with the signs and symptoms of alcohol dependency. There is a fine line between the two, but the crossover occurs when the person becomes dependent on alcohol. This page distinguishes between common symptoms of both alcohol abuse and alcoholism follow.
Concern for Others
Answering the following four questions can help you find out if you, a loved one, or a friend has a drinking problem:
- Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
- Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
- Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
- Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?
One "yes" answer suggests a possible alcohol problem.
More than one "yes" answer means it is highly likely that a problem exists.
If you think that you or someone you know might have an alcohol problem, it is important to see a doctor or other health care provider right away. They can help you determine if a drinking problem exists and plan the best course of action.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
How do I talk to a friend or loved one about their drinking problem?
Let your friend or family member know that risky drinking can lead to more severe alcohol problems including alcohol dependence (alcoholism), as well as injuries and unwanted/unprotected sex.
- Use the resources. Do what you can to encourage your friend or family member to get help, but remember the only person you can change is yourself. Don’t hesitate to use the resources to help yourself.
- Don’t make excuses for the drinker. Family members often try to protect a loved one from the consequences of his or her drinking by making excuses to others. Making excuses allows your loved one to avoid changing for the better.
- Choose a good time to talk with the drinker, such as shortly after an alcohol-related problem has occurred. Choose a time when he or she is sober, when both of you are calm and when you can speak privately.
- Be specific. Tell the friend or family member that you are concerned about his or her drinking and want to be supportive in getting help. Back up your concern with examples of the ways in which his or her drinking has caused problems for both of you, including the most recent incident.
- Seek out the people and resources that can support you. Keep in mind you are not alone. There is hope and practical help available in your local community. Read more…
For more information, please visit:
http://www.alcoholanswers.org/friends-family/what-can-i-do-to-help.cfm
Programs
Additional programs can be found under our Prevention Programming page.
Alcohol Edu
Alcohol Edu is a 2 to 3 hour online alcohol education course. You will be provided with a web address and a password that allows you to conveniently access the course from your home computer or a computer lab. Taking the course in more than one sitting will facilitate retention of the material, helping you perform optimally on the final exam. The course is divided into six chapters that include information on alcohol metabolism, blood alcohol concentration, alcohol’s effect upon learning, memory and behavior, alcohol poisoning, impaired driving, alcohol abuse and addiction.
If you would like to participate in Alcohol Edu or obtain further information, please contact Substance Abuse Services.
BASICS (Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention of College Students):
BASICS is a harm reduction approach regarding drinking. It was specifically developed for use with college students. After completing a confidential questionnaire about your drinking, program staff will develop a personalized feedback profile. The profile includes myths about alcohol’s effects, facts on alcohol norms, ways to reduce future risks associated with alcohol use, and a menu of options to assist in making any desired changes.
If you would like to participate in BASICS or obtain further information, please contact Substance Abuse Services.
In addition to Mark Rowe-Barth, UHS Staff members Joan Thompson and Kathy Green also facilitate individual BASICS meetings.
Substance Abuse Evaluation
A Substance Abuse Evaluation is a testing process used to determine whether a person is addicted to alcohol and/or other drugs. The evaluation process requires approximately an hour and a half. You will complete questionnaires concerning your alcohol and other drug use and difficulties your use has caused. After the initial meeting, an additional session would be scheduled to review the results of the testing and to discuss subsequent recommendations. Follow-up recommendations may include educational and/or treatment referrals.
If you would like to have a Substance Abuse Evaluation or obtain further information, please contact Substance Abuse Services.
Prime for Life: Driving Unimpaired
Prime for Life is an extensive, 12-hour program that focuses on individual drinking choices. You will learn about the amount and frequency of drinking that is considered low-risk, and learn how a family history of addiction increases your risk for alcoholism. The course also introduces signs of a drinking problem and highlights substance abuse resources that are available on and off campus.
You will also complete a self-assessment of your drinking and learn where you can access a more in-depth substance abuse evaluation. The course also thoroughly addresses driving under the influence. This course is provided by Hawkeye Community College (319-296-2460), Pathways Behavioral Services (319-235-6571) and Cedar Valley Recovery Services (319-277-5808).
Please phone these programs directly to obtain a class schedule and/or to register for the class.