Health & Wellness Education offers programs and support informed by harm reduction.

What is Harm Reduction?

Harm Reduction is an approach that engages directly with individuals who use drugs and uses their personal goals to reduce the risk associated with substance use. This may include strategies that:

  • prevent overdose or the transmission of infectious diseases, 
  • promote physical, mental, or social well-being, 
  • or provide low-barrier options to accessing treatment.

Harm Reduction is a major focus in the continuum of care outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as part of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Overdose Prevention Strategy.

Practicing Harm Reduction

Self-Assessment

Harm reduction works by being aware of what works best when personal goals and values are taken into consideration. This means, it is important to know yourself! When understanding your relationship with substances, performing a self-assessment can be useful.

CAGE Assessment 

Try out a set of individual questions like the ones modeled below. Note: the examples below have been adapted to include drug use (CAGE-AID).

  • Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking or drug use?
  • Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking or drug use?
  • Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking or drug use?
  • Have you ever had a drink or used as drug as an “eye-opener” in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

Read more about the CAGE Assessment on Campus Well

Well-Being Check-up

The Well-Being Check-up is a program offered by Heath & Wellness Education that includes a confidential health screening and opportunity to speak with a health educator. 

Online Tools

There are many online resources that can help someone explore their relationship with substances. Be sure to always exercise judgment to find information from reputable sources. Some examples are included below:

Be an Ally

  • Support friends that choose not to use drugs in social settings. Whether you have friends that are in-season athletes, in recovery, taking a tolerance break, or just choosing not to drink for the night, be a good friend and back them up if you see them facing social pressure.
  • Everyone loves a good host. If providing a gathering space, make sure food and non-alcoholic drinks are available. Make them fun too! The internet is full of great ideas. Pro tip: it’s good to understand the College’s alcohol policies before agreeing to host a party.
  • Look out for other party-goers. Decision making becomes impaired while using substances. Step up if you see someone in a vulnerable situation!

Resources & Support

Note: this list is not a full list of resources available.

In Case of Emergency

Call 911 for any medical, fire, police, or life-threatening emergency. 

For other emergencies call Public Safety at 801-443-5911.