Alcohol & Other Drugs

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Alcohol & Other Drugs

About Us 

The Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) program is committed to reducing the negative impact associated with substance use, while cultivating an environment in which MSU students, faculty, and staff can flourish personally, civically, academically, and professionally. These services are guided by a belief that individuals are capable of making wise, well-informed decision.

Interested in hosting a late-night program for students to socialize in a substance-free environment? Learn more about our STATE after DARK program. 

Check out our latest social norms campaign - We Polled And...that encourages Spartans to celebrate responsibly.

MSU Biennial Review of Alcohol and Other Drug Programs

In compliance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, all institutions of higher education receiving federal funding are required by law to conduct a biennial review of campus alcohol and other drug programs and policies.

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2022-2024 Michigan State Biennial Review

DFSCA Annual Notice of AOD Policies: The “Drugs and Alcohol” section of the university's current Annual Security and Fire Safety Report informs you of our policies, the legal and student conduct-related consequences of illegal substance use, the health effects of such use, and the support services available to you.

Offerings

The AOD program provides interactive educational sessions for classroom infusion, fraternity and sorority life, and registered student organizations. The primary emphasis of these presentations is on basic knowledge, harm reduction, and risk management. The presentations are evaluated annually to ensure they consistently meet or exceed established benchmarks and desired outcomes.

To request a presentation, please fill out the UHW Request Form at least two weeks in advance of your desired date. 

The AOD program works with community and student groups, city officials, and campus decision-makers to advise on policies related to health and safety issues associated with alcohol and other drug use. Additionally, data regarding student use of alcohol and other drugs are collected through the National College Health Assessment (NCHA). The NCHA is administered every other year. The results are made available to student groups, faculty, staff, and community partners to assist in decision making, policy development, and resource allocation. In addition, a yearly Celebrations Survey is conducted as part of the social norms program, to determine drinking patterns and norms during celebratory events. This data is used to inform campaign messages and guide decisions regarding how best to manage and plan for key celebratory events.

eCHECKUP TO GO – Alcohol

Most MSU students are likely to avoid harm related to alcohol use by either drinking in moderation and taking preventive measures or by abstaining from alcohol altogether. However, because alcohol misuse is closely linked to serious personal challenges and setbacks commonly faced by college students, it is essential for the wellbeing and success of our entire campus community that every student actively monitors their drinking patterns, recognizes significant risk factors, and understands the resources and support available both on campus and in the community. Utilizing the Alcohol eCHECKUP TO GO is an important first step in this process.

Taking care of ourselves and supporting our friends are essential for fostering a vibrant and healthy Michigan State University community. Thank you for completing this program. Your dedication to becoming informed, compassionate, and proactive members of the Spartan community is greatly valued and appreciated.

The Alcohol eCHECKUP TO GO is a brief, anonymous, and confidential interactive assessment tool designed to provide students with personalized feedback on their alcohol use. It helps identify potential risks associated with drinking. Developed by San Diego State University, this tool is utilized by nearly 400 colleges and universities across 42 states, as well as in Canada and Australia. MSU students can access this tool for free and may complete the assessment as many times as needed, enabling them to monitor their alcohol use over time. 

When using eCHECKUP TO GO, you'll be asked to provide some personal information, including demographic details, your drinking habits, family history of alcohol use, and your perceptions of peer drinking behavior. Once you’ve submitted this information, the tool analyzes various factors and compares your responses to established assessment thresholds as well as national and local college norms. You will then receive personalized feedback in a clear, printable format, along with links to additional resources that explain your results and how your responses were interpreted.

To access eCHECKUP TO GO, click here and follow the instructions. If this is your first time using the tool, you will be assigned an ID number—please make a note of this number for future reference. It will be needed to log back in and track your responses over time, and it will also appear on the final printout of your personalized feedback. If you have used the tool before, simply enter your eCHECKUP TO GO ID number to continue. If you don't remember your ID number, you can still use the tool, but please note that it will not recognize your previous responses as the system does not track users through any other means.

After completing the assessment and reviewing your personalized feedback, you will be asked to enter your name, email, and complete an Electronic Verification of Completion form. If you are an MSU first- or second-year student and have been required by the University to take the eCHECKUP TO GO, please ensure that you provide accurate information. This is the only way the University can confirm your completion of the assessment. Your identifying details are kept separate from your assessment responses to ensure that the University only receives verification of completion, without access to your results. If you are not required by the University to take this assessment, you may skip the prompts for your name and email.

eCHECKUP TO GO is designed as a confidential self-assessment tool to enhance individual awareness and personal knowledge. Consequently, the results of your assessment are solely for your use and will remain private. San Diego State University will only provide MSU with anonymous, aggregate data upon request. This data will be used to inform and improve educational initiatives that address the needs and interests of the student body.

While many students on campus either abstain from alcohol or drink very infrequently, most will encounter someone—whether a classmate, friend, or family member—whose drinking habits may be concerning. eCHECKUP TO GO offers valuable information about alcohol, helping students recognize risk factors and patterns associated with dangerous drinking. It also provides a directory of local and campus resources for those struggling with alcohol or drug issues. Understanding this information can empower individuals to support friends in need and contribute to a safer, more enjoyable environment at MSU.

eCHECKUP TO GO – Marijuana

Most MSU students are likely to avoid harm related to marijuana.  However, because marijuana misuse is closely linked to serious personal challenges and setbacks commonly faced by college students, it is essential for the wellbeing and success of our entire campus community that every student actively monitors their use, recognizes significant risk factors, and understands the resources and support available both on campus and in the community. Utilizing the Marijuana eCHECKUP TO GO is an important first step in this process.

The Marijuana eCHECKUP TO GO is a brief, anonymous, and confidential interactive assessment tool designed to assess marijuana use among college students. The assessment is self-guided and requires no face-to-face contact time with a counselor or administrator.

The Cannabis eCHECKUP TO GO will provide you with accurate and personalized feedback about your individual pattern of cannabis use, your risk patterns, your aspirations and goals, and helpful resources at Michigan State University and in your community. Once you’ve submitted this information, the tool analyzes various factors and compares your responses to established assessment thresholds as well as national and local college norms. You will then receive personalized feedback in a clear, printable format, along with links to additional resources that explain your results and how your responses were interpreted.

To access eCHECKUP TO GO, click here and follow the instructions. If this is your first time using the tool, you will be assigned an ID number—please make a note of this number for future reference. It will be needed to log back in and track your responses over time, and it will also appear on the final printout of your personalized feedback. If you have used the tool before, simply enter your eCHECKUP TO GO ID number to continue. If you don't remember your ID number, you can still use the tool, but please note that it will not recognize your previous responses as the system does not track users through any other means.

eCHECKUP TO GO is designed as a confidential self-assessment tool to enhance individual awareness and personal knowledge. Consequently, the results of your assessment are solely for your use and will remain private. San Diego State University will only provide MSU with anonymous, aggregate data upon request. This data will be used to inform and improve educational initiatives that address the needs and interests of the student body.

Sanctioned Substance Use Assessment

The Substance Use Assessment aims to provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment where students can openly discuss the challenges and impacts of substance use. These individualized, one-on-one sessions are designed to understand how substance use might affect your personal and academic goals and to offer tools, resources, recommendations, and referrals for appropriate care and support.

If you have been required to complete a Medical Amnesty Substance Use Assessment, please register. 

Payment and Registration

If you have been required to complete a Substance Use Assessment by the Office of Student Support & Accountability, please visit our Transact site to pay the $125.00 fee. Payment must be completed before you can schedule your first session. For questions regarding payment or the assessment process, contact us at caps@msu.edu.

After making your payment, call 517-355-8270 to schedule your initial appointment with MSU Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS). Please note that these appointments are held in-person. If you have extenuating circumstances that prevent you from attending in person, inform the healthcare assistant when scheduling.

You will receive a reminder on the day of your appointment with instructions for completing brief assessment forms. The MSU CAPS staff look forward to assisting you.

Please note that this service is not available for students required to complete a substance use assessment by a court or legal entity outside of Michigan State University. For assistance with those requirements, email spartansmart.hp@msu.edu
 

Spartan Smart Class

Spartan Smart is an educational program designed for MSU students who have received a sanction through Michigan State University's Dean of Students Office, have been charged with a minor in possession (MIP) or a civil infraction in lieu of an MIP charge, or have been recommended to complete an alcohol or drug education class. The course offers a supportive, non-judgmental environment for students to reflect on their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors regarding alcohol and marijuana use. Our aim is to empower students to make healthier choices and to impart skills that promote safer use if they choose to continue.

Course Details

  • Format: The Spartan Smart course consists of two, two-hour sessions, totaling four hours. Each session is capped at 15 participants.
  • Location: Classes are held in Room 6 in the Student Services Building (566 E. Circle Drive) or virtually via Zoom. If fewer than three students are registered, the class may be canceled or combined with another session.
  • Cost: $55. Register and pay for your class through MSU’s CashNet payment system.

Scheduling & Registration

Attendance Policy

  • Cancellation: Contact the Health Promotion Department at spartansmart@msu.edu at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule.
  • No-Shows: Missing a session without prior notification will require you to re-enroll and pay the fee again.
  • Late Arrivals: Arriving more than 10 minutes late will result in being unable to attend the class, necessitating re-registration for another session.

Confidentiality and Completion

  • Completion Documentation: After the second session, you will receive proof of completion. For sanctions affiliated with MSU, an electronic confirmation will be sent to both the sanctioning entity and the student. For external entities, an electronic letter of verification will be provided to the student to be distributed to the sanctioning entity.
  • Information Disclosure: The confirmation includes a brief class description, the student’s name, date of birth, and completion date. Students must request any additional documentation directly from MSU’s Health Promotion Department. Student information will not be shared without a signed Release of Information form. 

Contact Us

  • For scheduling, enrollment, or additional information, email us at: spartansmart@msu.edu

 

Resources

When evaluating your drinking habits, it can be helpful to understand the following definitions:

  • High Risk Alcohol Use: This refers to drinking that elevates a person’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) to 0.08 or higher, typically equating to 5 or more drinks for males or 4 or more for females in about 2 hours. This can also equate to 4 or more drinks per day or 14 per week for males, and 3 or more drinks a day or 7 per week for females. High risk drinking poses significant health and safety risks, including increased likelihood of injury, property damage, engaging in dangerous behaviors (like driving under the influence), and experiencing blackouts or alcohol poisoning. These effects can impact one's ability to perform well academically, professionally, and socially.

  • Alcohol Use Disorder: Can be mild, moderate or severe and involves a pattern of use that is harmful to a person’s health, wellbeing, relationships, mental health, and performance in academic or work setting. It may also lead to financial and legal implications. An alcohol use disorder is a brain disease caused by the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors.

    • Biological Factors: Genetic differences that can predispose someone to developing a substance use disorder. Those with family members that have substance use disorders are more likely to develop a substance use disorder themselves.

    • Psychological Factors: Personality and psychological traits that predispose someone to alcohol misuse, including self-medicating, unpleasant feelings, and depression. 

    • Environmental: External influences also play a significant role in alcohol misuse. Stressful work environments, financial difficulties, relationship problems, and peer pressure can all contribute to an increased risk of alcohol misuse. 

  • Substance Use Dependency: Also known as addiction, this chronic brain disease, rewires areas of the brain that are responsible for reward, motivation, learning, judgement, and memory, caused by the combination of behavioral, psychological, environmental, and biological factors

 

If you are concerned about your substance use and would like to speak to a counselor, the following resources are available to the MSU community: 

Students:

Visit the CAPS webpage to learn more, arrange an initial consultation, or schedule an appointment.

Faculty, staff, retirees, graduate and student employees, and their benefits eligible dependents:

Visit the Employee Assistance Program’s webpage to learn more or schedule an appointment.

  • Struggling to moderate or limit the amount of alcohol you consume.
  • Setting drinking limits but consistently failing to stick to them. 
  • Wanting to cut down on alcohol consumption but finding it difficult to reduce intake. 
  • Spending a lot of time securing alcohol, drinking, or recovering from alcohol use.
  • Feeling a strong craving or urge to drink alcohol.
  • Failing to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home due to repeated alcohol use.
  • Continuing to drink alcohol even though you know it's causing physical, social, or interpersonal problems.
  • Giving up or reducing social and work activities and hobbies to drink or because of drinking.
  • Using alcohol in situations where it's not safe, such as when driving or swimming.
  • Developing a tolerance to alcohol, requiring more to achieve the same effects or not feeling the same effects with the same amount.
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms like nausea, sweating or shaking when you don't drink, or drinking to avoid these symptoms.

If you think a friend has an alcohol problem, here are some tips on how you can help. Know you do not have to figure this out on your own. We have great supports and resources ready and available for you.

  • Talk to your Friend: Choose a quiet, private environment to talk to your friend. Avoid initiating the discussion when you are angry or upset. Also, be sure that your friend is sober. Use I-statements to convey your feelings and concerns such as “I am worried about you” or “I am concerned about how much you drink”. Keep the discussion focused on your observations, such as what you have seen or events that have happened. Remember to not judge or criticize, just listen. If you find yourself getting angry, tactfully end the conversation and initiate it another time when you are calmer. Periodic and brief conversations may work best.
  • Prepare for Defensiveness: Your friend may deny that there is a problem or may become defensive. Don’t take this personally; it’s often difficult to come to terms with substance use problems. Be persistent. It may take several attempts on your part before your friend is ready to talk about alcohol use. If you meet resistance and/or your relationship is beginning to suffer as a result of the friends drinking, share how that drinking is affecting you. For example, “I really like spending time with you when you are sober, when you are drinking though, I don’t enjoy it as much. I never know what is going to happen to you, or what you’ll end up doing or saying.
  • Present Options: Even if your friend is not able to acknowledge that there is a problem, it is important to give your friend options. Provide a list of on- and off-campus local resources and offer reassurance that you will assist the friend in getting them the support they need when they are ready.
  • Setting Limits: Friends struggling with substance use issues can be challenging to be around and may even pose risks to your own wellbeing. At the very least, their behavior can complicate your life and disrupt enjoyable experiences. To mitigate these effects, establish clear boundaries on when and how you spend time with them. Set realistic limits that you can adhere to consistently. Even if your friend is not yet ready to address their drinking, maintaining these boundaries will help protect your own wellbeing and preserve the friendship until they are prepared to seek help.


Sources: Grand Valley State University, Columbia University, UCLA

Alcohol Drug Administrative Monitoring (ADAM) (court-ordered breathalyzers and drug screens): 517-4332-3804

Alcohol Drug Education Program (ADEP) (court-ordered breathalyzers and drug screens): 517-999-0092

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings

  • On-campus:
    • Wednesday at 8 pm: Sense of Humor Group, Engineering Building Room 3400
  • Off-campus:
    • Sunday at 8 pm: St.Thomas Aquinas Church
    • Monday at 7:30 pm: Monday Back Porch Group, University Lutheran Church (Gay/Lesbian meeting, but all are welcome)
    • Tuesday at 6:30 pm: Women’s Group, University Lutheran Church
    • Tuesday at 7 pm: BB Study Group, People’s Church
    • Thursday at 6:30 pm: Primary Purpose Group, Eastminster Church
    • Friday at 6:30 pm: Gay/Lesbian Step, United Ministries (all welcome)
    • Friday at 9:30 pm: Young Survivors Group, Eastminster Church
    • Saturday, 10 am: Saturday Live, Eastminster Church

Alcohol Poisoning Signs and Symptoms

Ascension Brighton Center for Recovery: 877-976-2371

ASMSU Legal Services: 517-353-3716

Care Coordination Center: 888-230-7629

Center for Disease Control and Prevention Tobacco Information and Resources

Comprehensive Psychological Services: 517-337-2900

Gambler’s Anonymous Meetings

  • Off-campus:
    • Friday at 6 pm: Edgewood United Church

Lansing Psychological Associates (court-ordered assessment and education): 517-337-6545

Meridian Professional Psychological Consultants, P.C.: 517-332-0811

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Quit Tobacco Tools and Resources

Mid-Michigan Recovery Services (NCADD In Lansing): 800-337-2310

MSU Police Department Court Ordered Breathalyzer: 517-355-2221

Narcotics Anonymous Meetings

  • On-campus:
    • Monday at 7:30 pm: Engineering Building, Room 1225

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD): 517-887-0226

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Nicotine Anonymous Meetings

  • On-campus:
    • Tuesday at 8 pm: Engineering Building, Room 2320

The Recovery Center: 517-267-7623

Smart Recovery

SmokeFree.gov

Students for Sensible Drug Policy

Tobacco Quitline Program: Michigan Tabacco Quitline is a free program open to students, as well as employees and their partners, providing a professional Quit Coach, a personalized quitting strategy, and other resources to help you stop smoking. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-6669). 

University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Substance Abuse Program: 517-364-7740