If you are concerned about your student’s alcohol or drug use, there are a few resources you can suggest to your student. As a starting place, we recommend you look at the Office of Health Promotion’s Alcohol and Drugs page to understand campus statistics and see our approach to prevention.
Self-Assessment Tools
The following resources are online and available to Carleton Students wherever they are. Students can take the screening tools in the privacy of their own room or home and trust that the results will remain anonymous. In some instances, students can download or save their results to share with a professional, should they so choose.
- Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) – this online screening tool asks students ten questions about their drinking behavior and consequences of their drinking. A score of 8 or higher may indicate harmful alcohol use. If your student receives a high score on this assessment, they may want to reach out to one of the professionals listed below for follow up consultation.
- The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) – this online screening tool was developed by the World Health Organization to address substance concerns beyond alcohol and tobacco. It is thought to be one of the most culturally relevant tools around the world. The assessment result will classify your student as low, medium, or high risk for substance use issues.
- Opioid Screening Tool – The Opioid Misuse Screening is an eight question tool designed to assess for signs and symptoms of opioid misuse. It is adapted from the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). This tool is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be diagnostic.
- Alcohol E-Checkup To Go – This online program provides personalized feedback about your student’s alcohol use. This program is a bit longer than the others listed above (takes approximately 30 minutes to complete), but it is more comprehensive and personalized. This is the first step in the BASICS program listed below under the Office of Health Promotion.
- Marijuana E-Checkup To Go – This online program provides personalized feedback about your student’s cannabis use. This program is a bit longer than the others listed above (takes approximately 30 minutes to complete), but it is more comprehensive and personalized. This is the first step in the CASICS program listed below under the Office of Health Promotion.
Peer Leaders
Peer leaders on campus are an excellent first resource for students. Many offices on campus have peer leaders, but there are a few who have specific training who might be able to help your student address their alcohol and drug concerns:
- Resident Assistants (RAs) – Each community has one or more RAs. These upperclass students help provide opportunities such as interpersonal communication, organization and time management, conflict mediation, and leadership development. They also play a primary role in developing social and educational programs, and serve as peer advisors and campus resources. These student leaders are the first people residents can contact with concerns about anything related to their residential experience. Your student’s RA is a great first person for them to talk to if they are concerned about their alcohol or drug use.
- Student Wellness Advocates (SWAs) – Serving as the student arm of the Office of Health Promotion, SWAs are trained in alcohol education, cannabis education, and basic prevention education. SWAs can connect your student to professional staff trained to work with students on alcohol and drug issues. SWAs can also answer questions about alcohol and drug use on campus and can help to dispel myths about usage rates and acceptability.
Professional Staff & Resources
BASICS/CASICS Program
This program provides a nonjudgemental setting for students to discuss their alcohol or cannabis use and make decisions about whether and how to change their use. Sessions are conducted by a trained professional in the Office of Health Promotion.
Student Health and Counseling
Student Health and Counseling can provide students with professional help related to substance use. Students can choose to see a medical provider or counselor to discuss the impact of their substance use and pursue options.
Dean of Student’s Office
The Dean of Student’s Office can help refer your student to appropriate resources on campus. They can also help your student if their substance use has impacted their academic experience. Most students go to their Class Dean as a starting place, but students can request an appointment with the Dean of Students, too.
Parent Handbook for Talking About Alcohol
The handbook linked here is a toolkit for having conversations with your student about alcohol – either before they start college or when you think they might be experiencing a problem. The handbook covers suggestions for how to start a conversation, topics to cover, and strategies to avoid – all based on years of research.