Take The First Step By Asking For Help
Everyone needs help sometimes. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness or failure, it's a sign of strength and willingness to change your life for the better. That's why CAPS provides short-term and goal-focused outpatient treatment for students with substance-related concerns. Services range from self-help tools and AA meetings to individual counseling, psychiatry, and referrals for off-campus support.
There are many ways to get support for substance use and abuse concerns.
Our substance abuse team includes counselors, social workers, and health educators that specialize in substance use. We work together to support you in developing or maintaining a healthy relationship with drugs and alcohol. Meet the substance abuse team mental health providers.
Individual Counseling & Assessment
Call or schedule online to get connected with a substance abuse specialist.
Wildcats Anonymous
Meetings, programming, and peer mentoring for students who want to address their substance use.
Build On Your Knowledge
Explore our educational resources to increase your awareness, broaden your knowledge, and make informed choices.
Connect With Community Support
Schedule a free Resource & Referral appointment online or by phone to talk with a care coordinator about the best off-campus resources and services for you.
Note:
- CAPS is NOT a provider for court-ordered treatment
- Students who need additional substance-related services are provided referrals to the community
How do I know if I have a substance abuse problem?
It's never too early or too late to ask this question. If you're thinking you may have a problem, you could be right. Talking with a substance abuse specialist can help you uncover how substance use impacts your life and work with you to develop a comprehensive plan. If substance use treatment is the next right step, a counselor can help identify treatment options or make recommendations to an appropriate level of care.
Get started with a counselor or take a free mental health screening.
Circle the statements that apply to you.
- Substance is used in larger amounts or over longer periods of time than you intended
- Unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control your use
- Great deal of time spent in obtaining, using, recovering
- You experience cravings or strong desire to use
- Recurrent use results in failure to meet your obligations
- You continue using in spite of it causing you problems in your life
- You give up other important activities
- You use in situations that are physically hazardous
- Use is continued in spite of recurrent physical or psychological problems caused or exacerbated by the substance
- Increased tolerance
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
To score your assessment, count how many items you circled and see where your score falls.
Mild: Presence of 2-3 symptoms
Moderate: Presence of 4-5 symptoms
Severe: Presence of 6 or more symptoms
What Next?
Whatever your score, your answers might prompt you to seek support. If your score falls in the moderate or severe categories, we strongly encourage you to reach out for support.
What If I'm Concerned About a Friend's Substance Use?
As a friend, you have a deep insight into what your friends are going through and how they may be coping. If you're concerned about a friend's substance use, start with these steps:
- Share your concerns in a caring way.
- Suggest support resources.
- If you're not sure what to do or say, see our tips on reaching out to a friend on Friend2Friend.