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Brandeis University Health Center

Brandeis University
415 South Street
Waltham, MA 02454

781-736-3677

Alcohol and Other Drug Services

If you are concerned about your alcohol or other drug use or that of someone you care about, you may want to consider talking with the Alcohol and Drug Counselor/Educator at the health center.

The Alcohol and Drug Counselor/Educator provides support to students who want to learn more about their own use of substances, reduce or eliminate their use, or have concerns about a friend or family member's use. This is a free service and it is confidential!

Services:

  • Initial Assessment: Interview designed to collect data about your substance use and other health behaviors and determine an appropriate intervention.
  • Counseling: Short term one-on-one counseling designed to help you to explore substance use issues and encourage making safe decisions.
  • BASICS (Brief Alcohol and Other Drug Screening and Intervention for College Students): An assessment tool designed to assist you in examining their your behaviors in a non-judgemental, non-confrontational environment. It gives you the opportunity to assess your own risk, identify potential changes that would work for you and help you to reduce your risk for developing problems in the future.
  • Consultation, education, referrals: Support for university staff, faculty, and students around substance abuse issues. Help individuals gain clear and accurate information about drugs and alcohol, including interventions, prevention, and referrals to on and off campus resources including self help groups.


Commonly Asked Questions:

How long will the intervention take?

Every individual presents with unique situations. Your treatment is individually determined by your needs, goals and interests. You are welcome to raise questions about the process, including length of treatment at any time.

How much do the sessions cost?

All undergraduate students pay a Health Center fee each year. There is no additional cost for drug and alcohol treatment.

Is my communication with you confidential?

All communication between student and counselor is considered confidential, according to Massachusetts State Law, with the following exceptions:

  • The counselor is permitted to share clinical information about you with other professionals or institutions on your behalf only after you sign a Release of Information for her/him to do so;
  • In situations of potential harm to self;
  • The counselor is required by law to observe duty to warn and protect situations of suspected or actual harm to others;
  • If a court should subpoena records.

Contact Information:

Dawn Skop, Brandeis University Health Center 781-736-3693. Dawn has been working in the field of addictions for ten years. She is licensed as a mental health counselor (LMHC) and an alcohol and drug counselor (LADC).

Tips for Reduced Risk Drinking

  • Have fun without drinking.
  • If you choose to drink, drink slowly.
  • Keep track of how much you drink.
  • Eat before drinking.
  • Avoid drinking games.
  • Space your drinks.
  • Alternate alcoholic drinks with nonalcoholic drinks.
  • Drink for quality not quantity.
  • Be prepared to handle situations where heavy drinking occurs.
  • Experiment with drinking less.
  • Look out for one another's safety.
  • Arrange for transportation needs well in advance of a party or drinking occasion.
  • On initial dates or larger parties be selective about when and how you drink.
  • Drink only if YOU want to, don't let others dictate your choice.

Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning

  • If the person is unconscious or semi conscious, or when you can't wake them up!
  • Slow respiration (breaths) of eight or less per minute or lapses in between
  • Cold, clammy, pale or bluish skin accompanied by smell of alcohol
  • Don't wait for a person to show these signs to call for help. If you are concerned about someone's level of impairment, safety or well being - make the call. If a person shows any of the signs of alcohol poisoning- call immediately!
  • While waiting for emergency transport,
    • gently turn the intoxicated person on his/her side, and
    • place a small pillow in the small of the person's back. This is important to prevent aspiration (choking) should the person vomit.
    • Stay with the person until medical help arrives.
    • If a person appears to be "sleeping it off" it is important to realize that blood alcohol levels may continue to rise -- putting the person's life in danger!
    • When in doubt -- call for help!
      BEMCo/Brandeis Campus Police - 781-736-3333.