Drugs & Alcohol

Talk to someone about drugs or alcohol

Substance Use Intervention Services offers a safe, judgment-free space for drug and alcohol use and recovery support through the Collegiate Recovery Community. Call to make an appointment, or drop in during office hours.

Students also can request a meeting with a counselor to discuss their own substance use or concerns about a friend. Students who have been involved in minor alcohol-related incidents on campus may also be asked to meet with a counselor to reflect on their decisions as an alternative to participating in the campus judicial process.

Why come to SUIS?

  • To learn how to talk to a friend or family member if you are concerned about their substance use
  • To expand your toolkit for socializing in safer ways
  • To find strategies for handling roommate conflict around substance use
  • To explore your relationship with substances in a confidential, judgment-free environment

I felt very welcomed and not judged. My problems were understood. It felt like my well-being was truly cared about and that my issues regarding substance use were being truly heard.

—IU Student

Substance use recovery and support

If you are recovering from drug or alcohol dependence, or would like to start your recovery process, Substance Use Intervention Services can help by assessing your needs, connecting you to the Collegiate Recovery Community, and referring you to services on and off campus.

Find recovery support services

Administering Naloxone during the COVID-19 Pandemic

  1. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves and face protection, as most first responders are doing for all emergency calls during the COVID-19 pandemic. If the person is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 or if you see illicit drugs in powder or liquid form, put on additional PPE as recommended by CDC.
  2. If possible, position the person’s head facing away from you.
  3. Administer naloxone following the instructions for use (the Evzio auto-injector provides voice instructions).
  4. Start other life support measures if needed and if trained to do so, using appropriate precautions if the person is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19.
  5. Stand up and step back to a distance of at least 6 feet as the person regains consciousness.
  6. Assess the person, introduce yourself, and explain to them what led to naloxone administration. Explain the effects of naloxone (see below) and make sure the person receives professional medical follow-up.
  7. When safe, remove PPE following appropriate safety procedures. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  8. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available and you had no skin contact with illicit drugs, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  9. Naloxone blocks the effects of opiates on the brain. If the person wakes up after naloxone is administered, they may experience immediate opioid withdrawal symptoms such as chills, nausea, and muscle aches. They may also be scared, nervous, or restless. Stay with them until medical help arrives.


References:

Not sure where to go for help?

Submit a Care Referral