If you have concerns about your student’s use of alcohol and/or other drugs, do not ignore them.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Try to remain calm
- Be honest about your concerns with your student, but don’t be accusatory. Don’t speak in generalities; use specific examples that have led to your concern. For example, “I’m worried about your drinking because ...," or "I'm worried that you may be using drugs because ..."
- you mentioned that you had blackouts (couldn’t remember part of the evening)
- your grades have been falling, and you missed your morning classes several times because you were hungover
- I’ve noticed your tolerance to alcohol has increased
- you have been running out of money and can’t explain why
- I found a pipe (or needle, or pills) in your laundry
- If you need to speak with someone about your concerns, call the Health and Wellness Center at 814-949-5540 and ask to speak with Lauren E. McKinney, Psy.D., LCSW, Clinical Social Worker and Mental Health Therapist. Although he cannot speak directly about your student, he can offer some guidelines.
- Encourage your student to seek options through the Health and Wellness Center. Confidential counseling with the Certified Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor is available.