Our Approach
We are committed to encouraging and supporting students in making healthy, responsible choices around alcohol and drug use. While there are students who choose to engage in substance use, there are many who do not. Drinking and smoking are not activities that are "just part of the college experience," but rather ones that require critical examination. The decision to use or not to use - whether it's a decision one makes for their college experience as a whole, or a decision one makes on any given weekend - requires thoughtful self-reflection, and knowledge of responsible use. Through our programs and services, we challenge students to think about the impact substance use has on their individual experience and the community experience at CC, and prepare them with knowledge of substances and responsible use so that they may strive to make the best decisions for themselves. Ultimately, all students have a responsibility to their community, their education, and to their own positive self-growth while at CC and beyond. We believe that understanding the dynamics of substance use and abuse, and having access to equitable services is necessary for wellness development through a holistic lens.
Substance use is also intimately connected to the WRC's other focus areas: mental health promotion and sexual violence prevention. Check out our workshops and resources pages for more information on all of these topics and to find out how you can get involved. The BADASS Active Bystander Intervention Program also covers how to Be Aware, Decide to Act, and Say Something in situations involving substance use and partying.
We enact this mission through a multi-pronged effort which includes:
- clear articulation and consistent enforcement of policies that promote an educational environment free of substance use/abuse;
- ongoing prevention education programming for members of the campus community;
- training and empowerment for students to effectively intervene when they see peers in at-risk situations; and
- providing a range of care through the campus medical services, Counseling Center, and referral to off-campus treatment programs.
Alcohol. We know that alcohol use and abuse are associated with a number of health and safety risks, including injury, overdose, and victimization. Offices like Campus Activities and Residential Experience, as well as student groups like Sacred Grounds, develop programming and spaces that promote safe, fun environments. There are many resources for students trying to find alternative events and activities. There are also many resources available to students who are trying to evaluate their own choices around alcohol. The BACCHUS Network has information about the health and safety risks associated with alcohol use, and students can work with Counseling Center Staff to get an assessment of their substance use. Counselors can help students develop plans to manage their substance choices in healthy ways, as well as provide referrals to appropriate treatment programs. For students who are already in recovery, there are a variety of 12-step program meetings that take place within walking distance of campus.
If you would like to check in on your alcohol use, check out this free and confidential screener here.
Cannabis. Although Colorado legalized recreational use of cannabis for people over 21 years of age, marijuana use and possession are prohibited on the Colorado College campus. If you have questions about the Colorado marijuana statutes, the State of Colorado and the City of Colorado Springs have developed information to help residents understand the laws.
If you would like to check in on your cannabis use, check out this free and confidential screener here.
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Making decisions about a single substance is one thing, but we know that some people combine drugs. Check out this important information about the effects and risks of mixing substances.
These resource organizations can be helpful:
