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Student Toolbox
Section Name

Alcohol and Other Drug Program

CAPS provides a number of services for students interested in better understanding their use of alcohol or other drugs. For more information, please see details below or call CAPS to schedule an appointment.

e-CHUG

The electronic Check-Up to Go (e-CHUG) is a brief, self-assessment that provides you with accurate, detailed and personalized feedback on your use of alcohol, and specific information and helpful resources in the Montclair State University community. Linkto: e-CHUG

e-TOKE

The electronic THC Online Knowledge Experience (e-TOKE) is a brief, self-assessment that provides you with accurate, detailed and personalized feedback on your use of marijuana, and specific information and helpful resources in the Montclair State University community. Link to: e-TOKE

Individual Counseling

Treatment for alcohol and other drug concerns at CAPS takes a brief motivational approach designed to increase a student's desire to make positive changes regarding his or her alcohol and drug use. This approach emphasizes students' personal responsibility and choices during the treatment process. Treatment often involves once-a-week meetings, which can be supplemented by weekly on or off campus groups.

Due to the short-term treatment model at CAPS, some students may be provided with off-campus referrals for more extensive support when that is determined most appropriate.

ECHO Program

The cornerstone of AOD treatment services at CAPS is the Exploring Change and Healthy Options or "ECHO" program.

The ECHO program provides students with the opportunity to explore their alcohol and other drug use in a non-judgmental environment. Such exploration helps students make more well-informed decisions about their use of substanceds by helping them to better understand the role these substances play in their lives. Students typically meets with the CAPS staff for 3-4 individual meetings to complete ECHO.


The ECHO program includes three primary components:

  • Initial assessment and review of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use behaviors
  • Personalized assessment and feedback of current AOD use patterns (includes a Personalized Feedback Report that students may keep)
  • Completion of a consciousness-raising assignment designed to assist in making more educated decisions about future use of alcohol and illicit substances

People may choose to participate in ECHO for any of the following reasons:

1) The ECHO Alternate Sanctioning Program:

  • This non-mandatory and volunteer program was designed to capitalize on the "teachable moments" that present themselves when students are in violation of Montclair State University's alcohol and other drug policy.
  • Students can choose to participate in the ECHO program in order to have the Coordinator of Student Conduct reduce her/his sanctions. Specifically, the minimum sanction for a respective violation would be enforced; however, completion of the ECHO program would entitle the student to the waiving of any additional stipulations sanctioned by a conduct officer.
  • For example, a student cited in violation of alcohol policy who receives a stipulation such as demotion of status for future housing lottery may choose to participate in ECHO. If the student completes the ECHO program, this additional stipulation may be waived and the student's future housing lottery status would not likely be affected as initially agreed upon by a conduct officer.

2) The ECHO Self-Assessment

  • Those students who are interested in learning about how their alcohol and other drug use impacts their life can also complete the ECHO program.
  • It is NOT a prerequisite that individuals want to stop using alcohol or other drugs. Rather, students are asked to share honestly in a confidential and non-judgment environment so that they can learn more about the role alcohol and other drugs play in their lives.

To schedule an ECHO, please call 973-655-5211.

Wondering if you should complete an ECHO assessment? Take a free on-line screening. (Keyword: MONTCLAIR) Click here


Referrals

The CAPS staff will assist interested students in locating appropriate treatment providers in Northern New Jersey and/or their hometown. Click here for a listing of referral resources.

CAPS Alcohol Library and Resource Center

CAPS has a growing collection of self-help information and professional books related to alcohol and other drug abuse. Additionally, CAPS houses an array of brochures and handouts on the topic of chemical dependency.

Click here for self-help books and brochures at CAPS and self-help links to resources.

Additional AOD information:
- What is Blood Alochol Concentration (BAC)?
- How BAC is experienced at different levels
- How people party: The ups and downs of alcohol.
- How much alcohol is contained in various drinks
- Calculate your BAC
- The low down on tolerance
- Alcohol and your memory
- How alcohol affects muscle development and recovery
- How alcohol affects nutrition and endurance
- Alcohol and sexual functioning
- Alcohol poisoning
- What to do if you are worried about someone's drinking

The information provided is for educational purposes only and it should not substitute consultation with a trained professional