Understanding Alcohol & Drug Misuse

What is Substance Misuse?

Simply put, substance misuse is the repeated use of alcohol and/or other drugs accompanied by a failure to fulfill one's major responsibilities related to school, work, friends, family, or other roles, and/or repeated use in situations that are physically hazardous, and/or repeated legal problems.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Substance Misuse?

If you notice unexplained changes in physical appearance or behavior of a friend or family member, it may be a sign of substance misuse. However, you may not know definitively until a professional does an assessment.

What are Some Physical Signs?

Change in sleeping patterns
Bloodshot eyes
Slurred or Agitated speech
Sudden or dramatic weight loss or gain
Skin abrasions/bruises
Neglected appearance/poor hygiene
More frequent illness
Accidents or injuries

What are some behavioral signs?

Hiding use; lying and covering up
Sense that the person will "do anything" to use again, regardless of the consequences
Drug-seeking behavior
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Emotional instability
Hyperactive or hyper-aggressive
Depression
Missing school or work and/or failure to fulfill responsibilities at school or work
Complaints from teachers or co-workers
Reports of intoxication at school or work
Furtive or secretive behavior
Avoiding eye contact
Locked doors
Going out every night
Change in friends or peer group
Change in clothing or appearance
Unusual smells on clothing or breathe
Heavy use of over-the-counter preparations to reduce eye reddening, nasal irritation, or bad breath
Hidden stashes of alcohol
Stealing money, valuables, drugs, or alcohol from family members or friends

Assessment of Substance Misuse

Because of excessive alcohol and/or drug use by college students can become somewhat "normalized," it is often difficult for students to determine if their own substance use is problematic. If you thinking you make have a problem with alcohol and/or drugs, feel free to compete this Self-Screening Assessment. If you would like to schedule a confidential assessment, please call Lisa Arnold, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, at 203-254-4000 ext. 2146.

Recommended Treatment

Harm Reduction

The pragmatic approach focuses on psycho-educational strategies to help students define and limit their substance misuse. Students learn skills that help them avoid over-use and potential overdose.

Abstinence-Based

The abstinence-based approach sets as a goal complete abstinence from all addictive substances, including alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescription medications.

Intensive Outpatient or Inpatient Treatment

Sometimes a student's level of dependence on a particular substance requires a higher level of care than can be provided in a university setting. When this occurs, appropriate referrals to intensive outpatient and inpatient facilities are made.