Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS)
BASICS is designed for college students who drink and are at risk for or have experienced negative consequences as a result of drinking (e.g., injuries, blackouts, fights, physical or sexual assault, poor academic performance, legal problems). The goal of BASICS is to reduce negative consequences of drinking by helping students make better alcohol-use decisions.
BASICS consists of two confidential 50-minute sessions with a trained facilitator. During the first session, the facilitator asks the student questions about his/her drinking pattern, attitudes about alcohol and motivation to change drinking. During the second session, the facilitator provides the student with feedback about his or her personal risk factors, a comparison of the student’s drinking pattern to that of other college students, and a range of options about ways to moderate drinking. Students are not preached at or judged.
To schedule a confidential and free BASICS session, contact Susan Cushman, Alcohol & Other Drug Prevention Coordinator, at 847-491-2146 or s-cushman@northwestern.edu.
Choices about Alcohol
Choices about Alcohol is a small group, 90-minute program that creates an opportunity for students to be more aware of their personal drinking patterns, be proactive in evaluating their decisions about alcohol, learn how alcohol affects them, and identify ways to reduce risks for harm from alcohol use. Choices about Alcohol is available to any student who wishes to experience fewer downsides of drinking. Participants complete an interactive journal that covers key concepts and prompts the student to reflect and write about alcohol-related attitudes and experiences. Choices about Alcohol is facilitated by Health Promotion & Wellness staff members.
To inquire about the next available session, or to schedule this program for your group/organization, please contact Susan Cushman, Alcohol & Other Drug Prevention Coordinator, at 847-491-2146 or s-cushman@northwestern.edu.
Alcohol & Other Drug (AOD) Referrals
Health Promotion & Wellness staff are available to provide referrals that connect students with on- and off-campus AOD-related treatment services, support groups, counseling, and/or information. Students who are looking for help or information but are unsure of what is available or most appropriate for them may contact Health Promotion & Wellness at 847-491-2146.
Self-Help Groups
In self-help groups, people with a common problem or situation come together for mutual understanding and support and to share information and ideas for coping. In general, self-help groups are: facilitated by a lay person, free, informal, voluntary, and anonymous. Most AOD treatment programs encourage patients to participate in a self-help group during and after treatment, as long-term outcomes are generally better for those who do so.
Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) 312-929-4581
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 312-346-14785
There is an open, weekly meeting AA meeting held on the NU Evanston campus on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at the Women’s Center, 2000 Sheridan Road. Contact Laura at (312) 593-6314 for more information.
Al-Anon (for friends and family of alcoholics) 312-409-7245
Marijuana Anonymous (MA)
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) 708-848-4884
