Substance Misuse Support Services
The term "substance" typically refers to alcohol, drugs, or other psychoactive compounds. Substance use can influence one's overall well-being including factors such as sleep, nutrition, and social connections. While substances can be consumed without adverse effects, it's crucial to differentiate between responsible use and misuse or addiction. Moderate and controlled substance use should not be inherently viewed as harmful. However, excessive or prolonged use can lead to various individual, social, academic, professional, and medical issues. Mental health encompasses the brain and central nervous system, which are directly impacted by substance use. Recognizing this interplay is essential for promoting overall well-being and addressing potential substance-related concerns.
UC CAPS Philosophy
At CAPS, we are committed to working compassionately with students, without judgement to promote self-understanding and help students establish balanced lifestyle choices as they explore and reflect on their relationship with substance use. With emphasis on a harm-reduction approach, we meet each student where they’re at and support students in attaining self-identified substance use goals. This collaborative process allows next steps to be determined at the students own pace.
Services
CAPS offers multiple supports and services including individual counseling, consultation, and referral services for students who have concerns about their substance use, are considering ways to manage their substance use, or simply wish to gain more insight. Together, we meet each person where they’re at, moving gently in directions that reflect your readiness.
BASICS and CASICS are two screening tools available to all UC students who may want to explore their alcohol and cannabis use. Each assessment takes approximately ten minutes to complete, and is self-guided making it quick, private, and flexible to the student’s time and location.
BASICS – Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students is a brief interactive web-based alcohol specific assessment and feedback tool providing insight into alcohol use using personalized information about their behaviors and risk factors.
CASICS – Cannabis Screening and Intervention for College Students is a brief interactive web-based cannabis-specific assessment and feedback tool. It provides students at colleges and universities insight into cannabis use using personalized information about their behaviors and risk factors.
Alcohol Safety Information - Alcohol safety is a critical issue for college students. The college years are often a time of newfound independence and exploration, which can lead to risky behaviors like binge drinking. However, excessive alcohol consumption can have severe consequences, including alcohol poisoning, impaired judgment, and increased vulnerability to accidents, injuries, and sexual assault. Click the link to learn more about alcohol safety.
Let’s Talk – Have questions about where to start or interested in learning more about available services? Schedule a virtual 15-20 minute consultation with a CAPS counselor to ask questions or discuss concerns you have surrounding substance use. This is also a great resource to ask questions about how to support your friends or loved ones.
Counseling – The first step to connect with a counselor is to schedule an appointment by calling 513-556-0648. During your initial appointment you and the counselor will explore your concerns and discuss your needs and potential goals for treatment, and be provided with a clinician recommendation for next steps.
Group Counseling – Based on harm reduction principles, Balanced Living offers a supportive, non-judgmental space for college students to explore their relationship with substances while prioritizing overall well-being and academic success. If you are interested in engaging in a group therapy setting focusing on substance use and recovery, please reach out to CAPS at 513-556-0648 for more information.
Case Management – Ideal for students who would like additional support in connecting to campus and community resources, our team can assist students in learning more about available resources to support needs related to substance use and recovery and provide ongoing support until ongoing services are accessed.
Referral – The CAPS team helps to facilitate referrals for a variety of services including:
- Therapists in the community for students who could benefit from a higher level of care than CAPS can provide in the college counseling setting.
- Intensive treatment programs including detoxification services, medication – assisted opioid recovery treatment, and inpatient addiction recovery treatment.
- Recovery community and family support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, Al-Anon, and more.
The University of Cincinnati offers a comprehensive range of support services and resources to assist students in managing their substance use or continuing their journey towards recovery and maintaining sobriety. Whether students are exploring healthier coping mechanisms or seeking to reinforce their commitment to a substance-free lifestyle, the university provides a supportive environment and specialized guidance to empower them throughout their personal growth and well-being.
Bearcat Recovery Community – The Bearcat Recovery Community is a program designed to support UC students in or seeking recovery from alcohol, drugs, and other addictions. This program allows students to have an authentic college experience at UC while maintaining their recovery. For more information contact the Student Wellness Center at 513-556-6124.
Student Wellness Center - The Student Wellness Center offers a variety of programs and services for UC students. From peer educator facilitated programs to awareness events, the SWC offers something for everyone so that they can make choices to live a healthier life. If you have questions about any of the programs or services provided, call us at 513-556-6124.
Substance Misuse and Support Services Resources
Students in recovery often encounter unique challenges beyond the typical hurdles of college transition. While all students may grapple with forming new friendships and adapting to an unfamiliar environment, those in recovery face additional complexities. These can include:
- Maintaining sobriety in a culture often associated with substance use.
- Finding supportive peer groups that align with their recovery goals.
- Balancing academic pressures with recovery commitments.
- Navigating social situations without relying on substances.
- Dealing with potential triggers in the college environment.
- Managing stress and mental health concerns without turning to past coping strategies.
Recognizing and addressing these specific challenges is crucial for supporting students in recovery as they pursue their academic and personal growth.
For more information and resources, please select one of the options below.
More Questions? Reach Out.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a CAPS Counselor, call 513-556-0648.
For further questions about Substance Misuse and Support Services, please contact Desiree Gonzales, MA, IMFT, LCDC III, AOD Coordinator and Staff Clinician at 513-556-0648 or via email at gonzaldo@ucmail.uc.edu.