Alcohol Use Self-Evaluation
Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students
BASICS helps you explore your alcohol and drug use in a non-judgmental environment. The program’s only goal is to reduce risky behavior and the harmful consequences of alcohol abuse.
BASICS FAQs
- Who is BASICS for?
- What happens in BASICS?
- How long is BASICS?
- How do I make an appointment?
- Is there a cost?
- Who will know that I’ve used BASICS?
- Who is on the BASICS team?
- Where did BASICS come from?
Who is BASICS for?
BASICS is a “drinker’s checkup” that helps you examine your use, identify changes that could work for you and reduce your risk of future problems. It’s not therapy or substance abuse treatment.
Any student who’s concerned about their alcohol or other drug use can choose to attend BASICS. Students who violate St. Olaf’s alcohol and drug policies, are medically transported for alcohol or drug intoxication, held in protective custody, or are court-sanctioned may be mandated to attend BASICS.
What happens in BASICS?
In BASICS, you’ll schedule an appointment with a BASICS team member. At the appointment you will complete an assessment which will be discussed, helping you identify consequences of your choices and explore ways to reduce risks. A 30-day follow up appointment is scheduled an other assessment will be completed and discussed.
How long is BASICS?
BASICS will generally consist of an initial feedback and exploration interview and a second follow up interview to see how you are doing with altering problematic use patterns and/or reducing associated risks. Further meetings can be set up based upon the desires and goals of a given student.
How do I make an appointment?
Contact the Administrative Assistant at the Counseling Center by phone 507-786-3062 or email counselingcenter@stolaf.edu
Is there a cost?
Yes, there is a $50 fee for BASICS.
Who will know that I’ve used BASICS?
Your work online and with the prevention specialists is confidential. Documentation of attendance is generally required if you are mandated to complete BASICS.
What is the BASICS team?
BASICS team members consist of a group of staff from the student life division who are trained in motivational interviewing and the delivery of the BASICS program.
If you have any questions about the BASICS program you can e-mail us at counselingcenterboehouse@stolaf.edu
Where did BASICS come from?
St. Olaf College’s BASICS program is based on research conducted at the University of Washington and was launched in January of 2011.
BASICS wins national award
BASICS is one of only four college programs nationally to receive a 2009 Science and Service Award from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
The SAMHSA award recognizes exemplary implementation of evidence-based interventions that have been shown to prevent and/or treat mental illnesses and substance abuse. Twenty-seven agencies nationwide were recognized in this year’s competition.
In 2008, BASICS received national recognition and nearly $200,000 in federal funds as part of a U.S. Department of Education model program competition. It was one of only two such programs in the nation rated as “exemplary” by the competition’s peer reviewers.