Alcohol and Other Substances
The McDonald Center uses a non-judgmental, harm reduction approach to help students evaluate current drinking behaviors and identify strategies to decrease potential risks.
Getting Started
Intake Survey
Students interested in discussing their relationship with alcohol or who have been instructed to do so through the University Conduct Process, their rector, or another referral source should first complete the Substance Education Intake Form.
For students self-referring, please complete the intake form.
Once the intake form has been submitted, a staff member will be in touch with the student to schedule a time to discuss next steps, which may include group sessions, participation in the AlcoholEdu for Sanctions online program, or participation in the nationally-recognized Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) harm reduction program.
In BASICS, a motivational interviewing technique to emphasize personal responsibility and self-efficacy is used to address drinking habits and patterns. The process involves an alcohol screening, online education, and one or more non-judgmental conversations with a trained staff member.
Alcohol Assessments
Alcohol eCHECKUP TO GO
Alcohol eCHECKUP TO GO is a confidential online assessment designed to evaluate drinking behaviors and help students learn how to make healthier choices. Using the information provided, Alcohol eCHECKUP TO GO calculates variables, compares responses to national college trends, and provides students with personalized feedback to better understand personal drinking patterns and behaviors and the health consequences of drinking. Students can also receive feedback about their goals and learn about available resources on campus and in the local community.
University Counseling Center
The University Counseling Center (UCC) also offers free, confidential assessments to Notre Dame students interested in better understanding the impacts of alcohol and other substances. Students can request a substance use assessment at the UCC at any time through a Drop-in appointment or by talking with an existing individual or group counselor. Following the assessment appointment, students receive a written evaluation to better understand how substance use might be impacting their lives and work with a counselor to explore what strategies and support might be most helpful.
Mental Health America
Mental Health America offers a free screening tool to those who may be concerned about their use of alcohol, drugs, or other behaviors. Learn more and take the Addiction Test here.
Cannabis Resources
Cannabis eCHECKUP TO GO
Cannabis eCHECKUP TO GO is a confidential online assessment designed to evaluate cannabis use behaviors and help students learn how to make healthier choices. Using the information provided, Cannabis eCHECKUP TO GO provides students with personalized feedback to better understand personal cannabis use patterns and the health consequences of using cannabis. Students can also receive feedback about their goals and learn about available resources on campus and in the local community.
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery is a weekly forum co-hosted by the UCC for students navigating substance use and recovery. Sessions involve open, skills-based conversations on motivation, managing urges, self-awareness, and well-being. Dates, times, and locations can be found in Upcoming Events.
Helpful worksheets related to the SMART Recovery program are as follows: