Alcohol and Drug Misuse

Are you at risk? What are warning signs of a problem?

How do you know if you or somebody else is developing a problem with alcohol or other drugs? Usually no single sign identifies a problem drinker, but a continuation (repeated use in spite of negative consequences) or pattern of problems can indicate that the person is moving from mild abuse to moderate or serious abuse and getting closer to addiction.

Here is some information explaining responsible alcohol use, abuse and dependency.

If you are concerned about the way you use alcohol, you may want to try the online self assessment (E-Checkup To Go) or get some feedback from a professional (see Chemical Health Consultation below).

Alcohol EDU from Everfi

Designed for students entering college, this interactive online program uses the latest evidence-based prevention methods to create a highly engaging user experience, inspiring students to make healthier decisions related to alcohol and other drugs. This course includes tailored content that will:

  • Engage abstainers, light to moderate drinkers, and frequent drinkers with customized messaging
  • Educate students on the mental and physical the effects of alcohol
  • Prepare students to engage in bystander intervention

Alcohol EDU is provided to all incoming students for completion. AlcoholEDU® course highlights:

  • Bite sized training sessions provide information about alcohol and other drugs as well as campus policies as required by EDGAR Part 86
  • Informs students about the emotional and physical effects of alcohol, cannabis, and e-cigarette use
  • Flexible learning modules teach bystander intervention techniques
  • Differentiated content for students who choose not to drink in college to support healthy decision-making

Please email Student Counseling at ummcounseling@morris.umn.edu for access to Alcohol EDU from Everfi.

Additional Coursework from AlcoholEDU®

Alcohol EDU Ongoing

This is a course for ongoing learners or junior/senior students to reinforce and remind students of the ongoing importance of the Alcohol EDU course.

Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention: Prescription Drug Safety

Prescription Drug Safety is an innovative digital course that arms students with the knowledge and skills to make healthy, informed decisions when it comes to prescription medications using an evidence-based, population-level approach to prevention. 

Course highlights:
  • Interactive modules allow students to practice refusal strategies and healthy alternatives for dealing with stress and uncertainty.
  • Customizable content allows for the inclusion of campus policies and additional resources.
  • Relatable scenarios walk learners through how they should respond if they encounter someone who has overdosed.
Training topics include:
  • The science of addiction - Psychological and physiological processes that lead to addiction
  • Understanding Prescriptions -Review information on prescription drug labels including strength, interactions, and disposal dates.
  • Refusal Skills - Practice refusal strategies and tactics to not be swayed by peer pressure.
  • Supporting a Friend -Learn how to spot signs of addiction and abuse as well as how to respond to an overdose.

Chemical Health Consultation

  • Confidential (the only information released is a notification that the student attended the informal assessment.)
  • An exploration of the student's chemical health.
  • An opportunity to identify potential problem areas.
  • An opportunity to increase the student's insight and awareness into their chemical health decisions.
  • An opportunity to learn (a referral is not meant to be a punitive measure).
  • Usually 2 sessions; about 30 to 45 minutes each.
  • If you are interested in a Chemical Health Consultation, please contact Student Counseling 320-589-6060.

Alcoholics Anonymous and Treatment