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Getting Help and Support

Alcohol and drug use can lead to misuse and abuse. If you concerned about a student, please don't hesitate to contact the Connection Program. There are resources on and off campus.

Students

Students have several options for seeking assistance through the Connection AOD program.

  • Contact the Connection AOD Program Coordinator.
    The Director can be reached at kadunkel@ship.edu or at (717) 477-1164 and he can arrange for you to talk with different resources so you find the support you need. From there we will work to match your need with a campus or community partner. In addition, please review the different resources and services that the Office of Connection - Drug and Alcohol Services provides directly.
  • Call the University Counseling Center at (717) 477-1481.
    Schedule an appointment with one of our staff members that include full-time psychologists, psychiatrist, counselors, and graduate master trainees. If you do not know what to say, you can start off the conversation by saying, “I’d like to make a free appointment to talk about my substance use.” Appointments are confidential. The appointment will not be part of your medical record.*
  • Screen U
    Screen U is a free, brief, confidential online tool which allows you to assess your risk of substance use disorder relating to alcohol and cannabis. It takes about five minutes to complete and provides feedback and resources based on the results.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
    Member-run support group for those struggling with an addiction to alcohol.
  • Al-Anon/Alateen Family Groups
    Member-run support group for friends and families of problem drinkers.
  • Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
    Member-run support group for those struggling with an addiction to any drug.
  • Red Cup Survey
    Interested in learning more about your personal level of alcohol use, what is safe/dangerous, what is considered misuse, and how that stacks up against your peers? Take the free and confidential Red Cup Survey.
  • Alcohol101+
    Alcohol101+ is a unique alcohol education course for colleges and organizations to use with their students. This engaging digital program is cost-free for colleges and universities and provides students with the knowledge to make smarter decisions relating to alcohol. For more information, visit

    https://app.alcohol101.plus/signin/ship.

*As a client, all information you share about yourself will be kept confidential. Only with your written permission will information be released to anyone outside of the UCC except as required by law. Legal exceptions include the following: clear and imminent danger to you or someone else, reasonable suspicion of child or elder abuse, or a court order. UCC records do not become part of student educational records. While UCC staff members may consult with a supervisor or with one another, all staff members are ethically and legally bound to also treat that information confidentially (Counseling Center, 2017).

Resources For Parents, Guardians, and Families

Drinking issues are a growing concern on college campuses nationwide, particularly for first-year college students. New students often feel an amazing amount of independence during their first year in college. You may find your student testing boundaries and exploring new beliefs and behaviors. However, sometimes they are unaware of the consequences of their decisions. Talk openly with your student about attending parties, alcohol and drug use, sexual decisions, safety and peer pressure. Although these conversations can be tough, they are extremely important. Families have more influence than they realize when it comes to students making positive decisions about such life situations.

Below is a list of tools you may find helpful in starting the discussion about alcohol and other drugs with your student. If you have further questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to Program Coordinator Kurt Dunkel at kadunkel@ship.edu or (717) 477-1536.

The use and abuse of alcohol and drugs are serious issues that should not be ignored or minimized. If left untreated, use and abuse can develop into substance use disorder. As a result, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug abuse early. If you're worried that your student might be abusing alcohol or drugs, here are some of the warning signs to look for:

  • Deterioration in personal grooming or physical appearance.
  • Eyes that are bloodshot or pupils that are smaller or larger than normal.
  • Frequent nosebleeds could be related to snorted drugs (meth or cocaine).
  • Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
  • Impaired coordination, injuries/accidents/bruises that they won't or can't tell you about- they don't know how they got hurt.
  • Clashes with family values and beliefs.
  • Using eye drops to mask bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils
  • Demanding more privacy, locking doors and avoiding eye contact.
  • Using incense, perfume, air freshener to hide smell of smoke or drugs.
  • Sudden change in relationships, friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies

Faculty and Staff

Faculty and staff members have a considerable amount of positive influence on the student population. We know that alcohol and other drug use and abuse can often lead to negative consequences in the classroom - missing class, late work, failing grades, disrupting class or other's work, etc. Employees of the university can encourage students to make healthy decisions and in the event of a major concern, faculty and staff can refer students and connect them to help by going to the myShip Portal, and entering your Ship ID and password. Go to Faculty Tools, Student Information. Click Student Success Collaborative Campus to access the SSC Campus resources.