Substance abuse awareness

Substance Abuse and the Student Body: What Faculty and Staff Should Know

By Laura L. Talbott, MS, CHES
Alcohol & Drug Programs Director

The prevalence of alcohol use among college students and associated negative consequences is clearly one of the most serious health problems facing college campuses. The goal of this article is to assist faculty and staff in recognizing signs and symptoms of student distress related to alcohol use and to provide some specific options for referring a student to campus resources.

Laura Talbott

Alcohol use often interferes with a student's academic performance and/or social interactions and faculty and staff are often in a good position to recognize students at potential risk. Students frequently experience a great deal of stress (i.e., academic, social, financial) during their college years. Most students successfully cope with these pressures, and are able to navigate campus without serious alcohol-related problems. Faculty and staff are not expected to spot every student with a potential substance abuse problem, nor will every student approached be willing to accept assistance. However, by communicating interest and concern, faculty and staff can play an important role in helping that student locate appropriate campus and/or community resources.

Faculty or staff members who choose to assist a student who may have a problem with alcohol are encouraged to:

Suggest or ask that the student talk with you privately.
Speak directly and honestly to the student when you sense that he/she is dealing with an alcohol related problem. Do not discuss your concerns with other students in your classroom.
Ask if the student is talking to anyone, such as family or friends, about the problem (isolating oneself when in distress or using substances is a common occurrence).
Express concern in behavioral, nonjudgmental terms, e.g., "I've noticed that you have been absent from class lately and I'm concerned," rather than "Where have you been lately? You should be more concerned about your grades."
Listen to thoughts and feelings in a sensitive, non-threatening way. Communicate understanding by repeating back the essence of what the student has shared, e.g., "It sounds like you are not accustomed to this much work in so short a period of time and you are worried about failing."
Avoid judging, evaluating, and criticizing, even if the student asks your opinion.
Try to respect the student's value system, even if you do not agree with it.
Behavior that is strange or inappropriate should not be ignored.
Comment directly on what you have observed.
Refer the student to the appropriate campus resource, especially if further assistance beyond your specific training or comfort level is needed.

There are many campus resources available to USC students that may have concerns regarding substance abuse. The mission of Alcohol and Drug Programs at USC is to actively promote low-risk, healthy choices about the use of alcohol and other drugs by providing preventive and educational services as well as substance-free events for USC students. Alcohol and Drug Programs is located in the West Wing of the Russell House. To request an educational program, call 7-5780 or go to www.sa.sc.edu/adp.

The Counseling and Human Development Center offers four- and ten-week substance abuse sessions. The Center is located in the Byrnes Building, 7th floor, and can reached by calling 7-5223.

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