Substance Abuse Counseling

The Substance Abuse Education Program addresses alcohol and drug abuse issues and is one of the many services offered by the Counseling, Tutoring and Testing's Psychological Counseling staff. As with most of the other services offered through C&PCC, this program is offered free of charge to U of M students enrolled for 6 credits or more in the regular Fall and Spring semesters, or at least 1 credit hour during the Summer semesters.

Although many of the referrals to this program come from the university's Judicial and Ethical Programs Office as a result of student violation of university policy regarding the use of alcohol or other drugs on university property or at university-sponsored events, this program is open to any student who wants to learn more about alcohol, other drugs, and addiction. One does not need to have a substance abuse problem in order to access this program.

The Substance Abuse Program is comprised of one or more counseling sessions. Sessions utilize video, handouts, and discussion. Sessions typically are conducted one-on-one between a psychologist and the student. However, when feasible, a group format also may be employed.

Topics discussed over the duration of the education program include but are not limited to the following:

• Substance abuse Myths and Facts
• Defense Mechanisms
• The Addiction Cycle
• Impact of drug use on decision making
• Legal ramifications of substance abuse

Counseling services are provided in accordance with the ethical guidelines of the American Psychological Association.