Identifying Students that Need Assistance

The Student Suspected of Substance Abuse

Alcohol is the most widely used psychoactive drug. Alcohol abusers in college populations often also abuse drugs, including both prescription and illicit drugs.  While patterns of use are affected by fads and peer pressure, the currently preferred drug-of-choice among college students is alcohol.  The effects of alcohol on the user are well known to most of us.  Alcohol and/or drug abuse by a student is most often characterized by:

• Irresponsible, unpredictable behavior
• Missed assignments, poor class attendance
• Poor quality of work compared to student’s ability
• Spaced-out and/or disheveled appearance
• Belligerence, mood swings (e.g., agitation followed by depression)
• Smells of alcohol; hand tremors
• Legal problems
• Interpersonal and/or social interaction problems

Do:

• Confront the student with the behavior that is of concern.
• Address the substance abuse issue if the student is open and willing.
• Offer concern for the student’s overall well-being.
• Remind the student that she/he is prohibited from being on campus while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (Administrative Regulation 5401).
• Refer student to Student Health Center or Counseling and Special Programs for personal counseling
• Call Campus Police (x. 4444 or *80 from any campus payphone) if student is clearly under the influence.  File an Incident Report with the Vice President of Student Services.  Familiarize yourself with Administrative Regulation 5401 for further disciplinary options and actions.

Don’t:

• Convey judgment or criticism about the student’s suspected substance abuse.
• Make allowances for the student’s irresponsible behavior.
• Ignore signs of alcohol and/or drug intoxication in the classroom.