Alcohol and Other Drugs
Substance use and abuse can negatively affect your academic performance as well as your physical and mental health. It can also cause social problems. Alcohol, prescription drugs, and illicit drugs can all be addictive.
If you feel like you might have a problem with alcohol or drugs, reach out to Student Counseling Services to get the support that you need.
On This Page:Alcohol
Know the Warning Signs of Unhealthy Substance Use
If you are having signs of substance abuse or addiction, please seek help and support.
- Understanding Substance Abuse and Addiction Disorders
- Warning Signs of Substance and Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol and Drug Self-Assessments
The following alcohol and substance use screening tools can help determine if it may be time to seek professional help.
How to Manage Drug and Alcohol Issues
Many people use substances to feel content and to deal with painful emotions. It is important to learn healthy alternatives to self-medicating substances, such as improving stress management, emotional regulation, and positive coping skills. It is also important to address co-occurring mental health concerns, such as anxiety or depression. Using the tips and resources included in these topic areas in the self-help library will be beneficial in lessening urges to use substances and increasing your ability to manage those that may arise.
Relaxation & Mindfulness
Stress Management
Emotional Regulation
Positive Coping Skills
Additional Self-Help Resources
- Living Sober (PDF)
by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services
This booklet does not offer a plan for recovery from alcoholism. The Alcoholics Anonymous Steps that summarize its program of recovery are set forth in detail in the books Alcoholics Anonymous and Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Those Steps are not interpreted here, nor are the processes they cover discussed in this booklet Here, we tell only some methods we have used for living without drinking. You are welcome to all of them, whether you are interested in Alcoholics Anonymous or not. - Healing the Shame that Binds You
by John Bradshaw
Shame is the motivator behind our toxic behaviors: the compulsion, co-dependency, addiction and drive to superachieve that breaks down the family and destroys personal lives. This book has helped millions identify their personal shame, understand the underlying reasons for it, address these root causes and release themselves from the shame that binds them to their past failures. - Alcoholics Anonymous, Fourth Edition: The Official "Big Book" from Alcoholics Anonymous
by AAWS
The fourth edition includes twenty-four new stories that provide contemporary sharing for newcomers seeking recovery from alcoholism in A.A. during the early years of the 21st century. Sixteen stories are retained from the third edition, including the "Pioneers of A.A." section, which helps the reader remain linked to A.A.'s historic roots, and shows how early members applied this simple but profound program that helps alcoholics get sober today. Approximately 21 million copies of the first three editions of "Alcoholics Anonymous" have been distributed. It is expected that the new fourth edition will play its part in passing on A.A.'s basic message of recovery. This fourth edition has been approved by the General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous, in the hope that many more may be led toward recovery by reading its explanation of the A.A. program and its varied examples of personal experiences which demonstrate that the A.A. program works. - Recovery Dharma: How to Use Buddhist Practices and Principles to Heal the Suffering of Addiction
by Recovery Dharma
In the Buddhist tradition, "Dharma" means "truth," or "the way things are." This book describes a way to free ourselves from the suffering of addiction using Buddhist practices and principles. Our program is based on the idea that every one of us is our own guide in recovery from addiction, with the help and understanding of our wise friends and sangha (community). We believe that’s what the Dharma teaches us. The Buddha knew that all human beings, to one degree or another, struggle with craving—the powerful, sometimes blinding desire to change our thoughts, feelings, and circumstances. Those of us who experience addiction have been more driven to use substances or behaviors to do this, but the underlying craving is the same. And even though the Buddha didn’t talk specifically about addiction, he understood the obsessive nature of the human mind. He understood our attachment to pleasure and aversion to pain. He understood the extreme lengths we can sometimes go to, chasing what we want to feel and running away from the feelings we fear. And he found a solution. This program leads to recovery from addiction to substances like alcohol and drugs, and also from what we refer to as process addictions. We can also become addicted to sex, gambling, technology, work, codependence, shopping, food, media, self-harm, lying, stealing, obsessive worrying. This is a path to freedom from any repetitive and habitual behavior that causes suffering. Recovery Dharma is a peer-led movement and a community that is unified by the potential in each of us to recover and find freedom from the suffering of addiction. We approach recovery from a place of individual and collective empowerment and we support each other as we walk this path of recovery together. - Narcotics Anonymous 6th Edition
by Anonymous
Written by addicts, for addicts, and about addicts, this is the softcover edition of the book that sets forth the spiritual principles of Narcotics Anonymous that hundreds of thousands of addicts have used in recovery. Just as with alcoholism, there is no "cure" for narcotic addiction, but recovery is possible through a program adapted from the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. Intended as a complete textbook for every addict seeking recovery, Narcotics Anonymous describes the NA program and how it works. It includes the NA Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, as well as many personal stories of people who have found freedom from addiction through Narcotics Anonymous. - Alcohol Lied to Me: The Intelligent Way to Escape Alcohol Addiction
by Craig Beck
Craig Beck is a well-regarded family man with two children, a beautiful home, and a successful media career. A director of several companies & at one time the trustee of a large children’s charity, Craig was a successful & functioning professional man in spite of a ‘two bottles of wine a night’ drinking habit. For 20 years he struggled with problem drinking, all the time refusing to label himself an alcoholic because he didn't believe he met the stereotypical image that the word portrayed.He tried countless ways to cut down; attempting ‘dry months,’ banning himself from drinking spirits, only drinking at the weekend & special occasions (and found that it is amazing how even the smallest of an event can suddenly become ‘special’). All these 'willpower' based attempts to stop drinking failed (exactly as they were destined to do). Slowly he discovered the truth about alcohol addiction & one by one all the lies he had previously believed started to fall apart. For the first time, he noticed that he genuinely didn’t want to drink anymore. In this book, he will lead you through the same fantastic process.The Craig Beck quit drinking method is unique: No need to declare yourself an alcoholic. A permanent cure, not a lifetime struggle. No group meetings or expensive rehab.No humiliation, no pain and 100% no ‘willpower’ required. Treats the source of the problem, not just the symptoms. What people are saying about ‘Alcohol Lied To Me’:“I was so excited to find your method. I had never seen anything quite like it so of course I enthusiastically purchased it. I have to say I was blown away by the unique frankness. It really hits home in a very good way. It's as if a very caring, non-judgemental friend can see right through me in a way that can only be known by someone who's been through it all. I am incredibly grateful to have found your book and your logical genius.Thanks from DP (Arizona, U.S.A)” www.StopDrinkingExpert.com