Alcohol & Drug Education
Alcohol & Drug Education at WPI provides education, assessment, and intervention to create a safe and healthy campus by aiming to equip students with knowledge, resources, and support in navigating potential challenges while using substances. Alcohol and drug education is a collaborative effort that partners with many different departments across campus including the Student Development & Counseling Center, The Center for Well-Being, Student Health Services, Student Activities Office, and many others. Email sdcc@wpi.edu with questions about alcohol & drug education at WPI.
Get Inclusive
WPI partners with Get Inclusive to provide online education to all WPI students. There are multiple modules that students are asked to complete, one of which is focused on Alcohol and Other Drug Education. This learning experience motivates behavioral change, resets unrealistic expectations about the effects of alcohol, links choices about drinking to academic and personal success, helps students practice safer decision making, and engages them to create a healthier campus community. First-year students are expected to complete the program before arriving at WPI. WPI also partners with Get Inclusive to provide booster trainings throughout the course of their time here at WPI.
Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS)
Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) is an evidence- based intervention that helps students examine their own alcohol use. Students may be referred to the Student Development and Counseling Center (SDCC) for a two-part BASICS as a result of an alcohol-related violation, or choose to participate on their own, to learn harm reduction strategies for their drinking. The program is designed to be empathetic and non-confrontational, encouraging students to reflect honestly on their alcohol use—and explore the possibility of change.
Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students with Marijuana or Other Drugs
This brief intervention is also available for students using marijuana or other drugs and who want to learn more about their use and explore making changes. The program is designed to educate students on the facts about substances so they may make informed decisions. Students who engage openly with the program have the opportunity to learn coping skills for risk reduction.
Substance Abuse Counseling
Students interested in exploring their use of alcohol or other drugs can meet with a counselor at the SDCC. They may seek treatment because they’re contemplating change or because they’ve experienced negative consequences from use. Counseling involves having an honest conversation about use, identifying goals, and developing skills that will lead to a healthy lifestyle. If a student is seeking a higher level of care in regards to their substance use such as detox, the SDCC can work to refer them to a local organization that will better suit their needs.
Consultation
Concerned about a friend’s use of alcohol or other drugs? Counselors are available to discuss how others’ use affects you, and how you can support a friend. Call 508-831-5540 to schedule an appointment with a counselor.