Announcing BASICS: Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students
In partnership with the Office of Student Accountability, Community Standards, & Academic Integrity, the Psychological and Counseling Center has begun utilization of the BASICS program – Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students.
BASICS is a program that utilizes principles of prevention and harm reduction with students who have experienced the consequences of choices regarding alcohol or other drugs.
The situation may be the result of poor judgment without having a problem, or may be a result of heavy drinking or other drug use. The process will include:
- An online assessment of drinking patterns and general attitudes about alcohol and substance use;
- A feedback session at the PCC to discuss the information provided in the assessment;
- Potential follow-up actions, such as participation in AOD (Alcohol and Other Drug) motivation or support groups or further assessment with the PCC AOD team, based on recommendations made in session.
For many students, the assessment will show that they generally maintain a pattern of lower-risk AOD use. The BASICS counseling session will give them a chance to gain some additional information and to address any other concerns they might have.
Kat Brown, MSSW, LMSW, is the BASICS counselor and will review the completed online assessment and meet with the student individually to make recommendations for further education and/or treatment.
More information on BASICS at VU can be found by visiting our website.
From Catherine Fuchs, MD
Director, Psychological and Counseling Center