Alcohol and Other Drug Program

CAPS offers a two-part substance abuse assessment to provide students feedback on their patterns of alcohol and drug use. This assessment can be informative as it helps students understand their relationship to drugs or alcohol and gain new perspectives. This insight can help students make better decisions and reduce harm. Students will also receive recommendations as to what forms of treatment might be most beneficial in changing habitual or harmful behavior.

One result of a substance use evaluation may be that the needs of the client exceed the services we can provide. In such cases a clinician may function in a case management role to match the student with an appropriate level of care.

Students are eligible to receive up to six free mental health visits every academic year, and students can address overcoming unwanted or harmful use of alcohol or drugs as a primary focus. CAPS is flexible in its approach and dedicated to addressing individual needs. For many, brief counseling will increase motivation for change and encourage stability that is needed to succeed. For some, individual therapy along with other services (group treatment, or support from the broader community) is a viable option to address substance abuse. For others, six or fewer sessions is needed to facilitate a transition to a level of care appropriate to the individual.

Group therapy is often the treatment of choice for substance abuse. Where we do not have a group dedicated to substance abuse, some groups provide an opportunity for students to address their use and reduce related harm.  Students can discuss group options with a CAPS counselor.

Recognizing that alcohol and drug use affects family and friends, it is often beneficial to consider your role in helping your friend or loved one.  If you are concerned about someone else’s use of alcohol or drugs, you are welcome to contact CAPS for consultation regarding our services and ways to communicate about alcohol and drugs.

CAPS staff is available to provide trainings, group workshops, or public talks focused on alcohol and drug themes. Please contact CAPS or Matthew Tomatz to arrange for this service.

We can provide induction and ongoing suboxone treatment, as well as supportive therapy for students needing this level of service.