Addiction

Addiction is a primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal. It is characterized by continuous or periodic: impaired control over alcohol/other drug use, preoccupation with alcohol/drugs, use of alcohol/drugs despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notably denial.

• Addiction is a multifactorial disease
• Addiction is treatable
• Co-occuring disorders are common
• Effective treatment helps
• People with addiction get better
• Recovery and remission are possible
• Addicted people in all stages of addiction and recovery deserve effective medical care, treatment, and non-discrimination.

Student Health Services offers assessment and evaluation of addictions, severity of addictions, and co-occurring disorders. Referrals are made to treatment programs(inpatient or outpatient) in the community if necessary. Individual therapy and 12 step support groups are available on campus.