Special Topic Resource Pages

Alcohol and Other Drug Use

INDIVIDUAL MEETING WITH A COUNSELOR
Your first step might be a confidential conversation with a Counseling Center counselor, who can work with you to explore the role of drugs or alcohol in your life, and to help you locate appropriate sources of support or treatment as needed.

SELF-HELP RESOURCES
Our Self-Help Web site has information on alcohol and drugs, and related topics such as depression and anxiety. The site includes an online library of web links, informal self-assessment quizzes; and access to several online "advice" sites. In addition, there is a wealth of information in the pamphlets and handouts available in the Self-Help Library located in the reception area of the Counseling Center, MGC-214.

NEW! Do you wonder if you have a problem with alchol use, depression/suicidality, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or generalized anxiety disorder?

WORKSHOPS AND SUPPORT GROUPS
The Counseling Center offers both single-session "Be Your Best" workshops and ongoing support groups every semester, and these usually include sessions of interest to students concerned about their drug/alcohol use. There are also many support groups in the DC area sponsored by various national "twelve-step" programs, including "S.M.A.R.T:" Smart Recovery , Alcohol Anonymous (AA) , Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA) , Al-Anon , Narcotics Anonymous (NA) , and Cocaine Anonymous (CA).
 
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
There is a strong relationship between substance use and academic difficulties. If you are experiencing academic difficulties such as poor concentration or motivation, or a decline in your grades, practical support is available at the Academic Support Center on campus.

LOCAL ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT RESOURCES
Several excellent services are available in the nearby community for students who require assessment or treatment for alcohol/drug dependency or addiction. In most instances, insurance helps cover the cost of private care.
[Note: If you are insured by the AU Student Health Insurance Plan, and plan to use your insurance benefits for private treatment, you need to get a referral from the Counseling Center before your first appointment.]

Suburban Hospital Outpatient Addiction Treatment Services
About 10 minutes by car or 20 minutes by bus from campus, Suburban Hospital offers outpatient assessment and treatment. They also serve as a site for National Screening Days for drug/alcohol use.

Kolmac Clinic
The Kolmac Clinic has several locations, the closest one right on the Red Line only a few stops from Tenley/AU. They offer assessment and treatment, and have experience working with university students.

Georgetown University Hospital Substance Abuse Services
Located only a few miles from campus, the GUH clinic provides assessment and outpatient treatment, including individual, group and family therapies. Other services include outpatient detoxification, medication and coordinated intervention approaches. They have groups specifically for college students.

Whitman Walker Clinic Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Services
Whitman Walker provides assessment and treatment programs geared toward helping gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender participants take pride in their sexual identity and their recovery from addiction.

In addition to the above resources, a Counseling Center counselor can help you connect with a private individual psychotherapist in the area who is maximally affordable, appropriate, and accessible for you. Call x3500 to make an appointment with a counselor.

CONCERNED ABOUT SOMEONE ELSE'S ALCOHOL/DRUG USE?
If you are concerned about someone else's alcohol or drug use, and would like to help them get help, check out the Worried About Someone? page, or call to arrange a confidential consultation with a Counseling Center counselor.