I am worried about my student’s substance use. What do I do?
1. As calmly and kindly as possible, express to your student what you have seen, heard, and experienced in their behavior that causes you to be concerned. Use “I statements” and avoid judgmental/subjective language (e.g. good vs. bad, “a lot” vs. “a little”) as much as possible. For example:
“The last two times you came home from seeing your friends, I noticed you were stumbling and slurring your words. I care about you and your health and safety. I am concerned and I’d like to talk about your drinking.”
2. Offer to help them get professional help. The first step in helping someone in a situation of possible substance misuse (Alcohol is a ‘substance’ too!) is to get a professional assessment of the situation.
3. Any UAB student may set up an appointment to assess their substance use with Student Counseling Services in their patient portal or during regular walk-in hours. Students may also contact the Recovery Resource Center at (205) 458-3377 to make an appointment for a substance use screening and assessment Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Recovery Resource Center is located in Cooper Green Hospital at 1515 6th Ave. South, just across the street from Hill Student Center. The Recovery Resource Center also offers support for families of those affected by substance use.
4. Students also have access to the Collegiate Recovery Center - a safe, confidential, and judgment-free outlet to discuss concerns around substance use. The CRC is located at 1102 12th Street South and holds weekly All Recovery Meetings, every Wednesday from 4:00-5:00 p.m.
5. Have your student complete a free, confidential, anonymous online self-assessment (see links below), print it and bring it with them to the appointment at Counseling Services. Taking this assessment may also help them to see for themselves how risky their behavior has become.
Alcohol: http://bit.ly/alcohol-checkup
Cannabis: http://bit.ly/marijuana-checkup