BASICS
A page within Wellness & Health Advocacy
What is BASICS?
BASICS stands for Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students. The goal of the program is to reduce risky drinking behaviors and the harmful consequences of alcohol misuse. BASICS uses a harm reduction approach, as opposed to being an abstinence-only program or enforcing sobriety. The BASICS facilitator will provide objective feedback based on student responses to interview questions and the personalized assessment. Together, the facilitator and student will explore positive behavior change and discuss goals for academic, career, and life success.
BASICS is listed in the SAMHSA National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices.
Who is BASICS for?
UWL students may be required to complete BASICS following an alcohol-related conduct violation, but the program is also available for self-referral if students are concerned about their alcohol use behaviors. BASICS is appropriate for any student who demonstrates high-risk drinking behaviors, exhibits risk factors for alcohol use disorder, or is simply interested in learning more about safer drinking strategies.
BASICS is confidential and facilitators will not disclose information without the student's permission. Assessment results and personal information will never be shared outside of the BASICS sessions.
What does BASICS include?
Students registered for BASICS will meet one-on-one with a trained facilitator for two sessions, which are scheduled two weeks apart. This timeline allows the student and facilitator to measure short-term progress and plan for sustained behavior modification.
- Session 1 takes approximately 60 minutes. During this session, students meet their facilitator, are oriented to the program, answer interview questions, and complete the online assessment.
- Session 2 takes approximately 60 minutes. Students receive a personalized feedback profile from their online assessment and review substance use behaviors, risk factors, and strategies for safer substance use with their facilitator. The second session assists students in creating a safety plan and identifying their tools for risk reduction.
e-CHECKUP To Go (Online Assessment)
e-CHECKUP To Go is an interactive, web-based assessment designed to provide college students with personalized feedback about their substance use habits and build goals for healthy behavior modification. The assessment takes about 30 minutes to complete and is self-guided.
Please email wellness@uwlax.edu with questions.