Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Abuse Services
The Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Abuse services offered through UHS promote self-awareness and responsibility for students in the university community concerning the use of substances. We provide direct care through screening, assessment, group counseling, and referral services for people experiencing difficulty in their lives as a result of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. This includes consultation for students who are being impacted by someone else’s use of substances.
Drug and alcohol assessments
An assessment is a series of one-on-one sessions with a counselor, who will evaluate the nature of any problems a student is having with drugs or alcohol. The assessment gets the student involved through discussion and consideration of biological, psychological, and social factors affecting alcohol and other drug use and abuse.The counselor can then make recommendations for further treatment, if necessary and appropriate.
UHS does not conduct AOD assessments or provide AOD counseling for the judicial system (pretrial hearings, DUI, etc.). If a student needs (or might need) to document an AOD assessment, counseling, or other services for court related purposes, then Consultation and Counseling Services staff can provide the student with a list of appropriate options.
Self-evaluation resource
For a basic self-evaluation, students can complete a free, confidential online screening called e-CHUG. It provides students with personal information regarding their own consumption and risk factors. The feedback includes information which has been shown to be particularly useful to college drinkers and includes:
- quantity and frequency of drinking
- caloric intake
- norm comparisons
- amount and percent of income spent on alcohol
- tolerance level
- negative consequences of alcohol use
- genetic risk score
- explanation, advice, local referral information
- amount consumed and peak blood alcohol level
This online screening is not a substitute for an official assessment with a trained professional counselor from the UHS staff.
Tobacco cessation services
UHS offers individual coaching and group support for students who would like help assessing their current tobacco use. Staff will assist students in developing strategies for quitting and the support they need to stick with their decision.
Group Counseling Available at UHS.
Alcohol education classes: Alcohol Smart
Alcohol Smart is the education option designed by Tellurian, Inc., for individuals who have been required by the court to complete an alcohol education class.
The class consists of two sessions that are three and a half hours each, held on two consecutive Friday afternoons. The class is offered each month at The Crossing, 1127 University Avenue. Because this program is offered through Tellurian, Inc., there is a fee for participation.
For more information about Alcohol Smart, please contact Janet DuBerry at 222-7311.
Current laws regarding underage purchase and/or consumption of alcohol
The UW-Madison community has experienced problems caused by underage and binge drinking. Alcohol is the most commonly abused drug on the UW campus. For a further explanation of laws and penalties concerning alcohol related issues such as underage consumption or possession and false identification possession go to The University of Wisconsin Madison Police Department website.
Community resources for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse
Nicotine Anonymous | 287-2780
Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line | 1-877-270-STOP (7867)
Alcoholics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous
SMART Recovery
Al-Anon/Alateen
Adult Children of Alcoholics
