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Student Toolbox
Section Name

Alcohol and Other Drug Program (AOD)

CAPS provides a number of services for students interested in better understanding their use of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs. Services include self-assessment tools, Exploring Choices and Healthy Options (ECHO) program, individual counseling, group counseling, and off-campus referrals. For more information, please see details below or call CAPS at (973) 655-5211 to schedule an appointment.

Self-Assesment Tools

Wondering if you have a problem with alcohol or should complete an ECHO assessment?
Take a free on-line screening (Keyword: MONTCLAIR)

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

ECHO Program

The cornerstone of the alcohol and other drug treatment services at CAPS is the Exploring Change and Healthy Options (ECHO) program. The ECHO program provides students with the opportunity to explore their alcohol and/or other drug use in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Personal exploration helps students make informed decisions about their use of substances and increase their awareness of the role that alcohol and drugs may play in their lives. Students typically meet with a CAPS staff member for 2-3 individual meetings to complete the ECHO program.

The ECHO program includes three primary components:

  • Initial assessment and review of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use
  • Personalized assessment and feedback of current AOD use patterns
  • Assignments designed to assist the student in making educated decisions about future use of alcohol and illicit substances

People may also participate in ECHO for one of the following reasons:

  1. Self-Assessment – Those students who are interested in learning about how their alcohol and other drug use impacts their lives are encouraged to complete the ECHO program. Students are not required to stop using alcohol or other drugs; rather, they are asked to share honestly in a confidential and non-judgmental environment so that they can learn more about the role that alcohol and other drugs play in their lives.
  2. Alternate Sanctioning Program (ASP) – ECHO is offered as a voluntary program to students who have been found responsible for violating Montclair State University's alcohol and other drug policy. It is used to capitalize on the "teachable moments" that present themselves when students are in violation of MSU's alcohol and other drug policy.

**To schedule an ECHO, please call CAPS at 973-655-5211**

Individual Counseling

Treatment for alcohol and other drug concerns takes a non-judgmental, brief motivational approach designed to increase a student's desire to make positive changes regarding his or her alcohol and/or drug use. This approach emphasizes a student's choice and motivation to change. Treatment often involves once-a-week meetings, which can be supplemented by weekly groups on campus or off campus.

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

Group Counseling

CAPS offers a group for students who are contemplating making a change in their current use of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs. A commitment to self exploration and a willingness to discuss their relationship with alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs are required to be eligible to participate in this group.

Referrals

CAPS provides referrals for students who are in need of treatment services not provided by CAPS. Referrals for treatment would include (but are not limited to) long term therapy services, couples counseling, family therapy, detoxification services, intensive outpatient treatment, and alcohol and drug rehabilitation services. Please call CAPS at (973) 655-5211 if you need assistance with a referral off campus.

Additional AOD information

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

Recommended Readings

  • The Addiction Workbook: A step-by-step guide to quitting alcohol and drugs by Patrick Fanning and John O'Niell
  • When AA Doesn't Work for You: Rational Steps to Quitting Alcohol by Albert Ellis and Emmett Velten
  • The Miracle Method: A Radically New Approach to Problem Drinking by Scott D. Miller and Insoo Kim Berg
  • Changing for Good by James O., Ph.D. Prochaska, John C. Norcross and Carlos C. Diclemente
  • Sober for Good by Anne M. Fletcher and Frederick B. Glaser
  • Happy Hours: Alcohol in a Woman's Life by Devon Jersild
  • Under the Influence: A Guide to the Myths and Realities of Alcoholism by James Robert Milam, Katherine Ketcham
  • Rational Recovery: The New Cure for Substance Addiction by Jack Trimpey
  • The Small Book: A Revolutionary Approach to Overcoming Drug and Alcohol Dependence (Rational Recovery Systems) by Jack Trimpey, Albert Ellis
  • Buzzed: The Straight Facts about the Most Used and Abused Drugs from
  • Alcohol to Ecstasy, by Cynthia Kuhn, Scott, Ph.D. Swartzwelder, Wilkie, Ph.D. Wilson, Leigh Heather Wilson, Jeremy Foster, Cynthia, Ph.D. Kuhn, Wilkie Wilson, Scott Swartzwelder
  • Over the Influence : The Harm Reduction Guide for Managing Drugs and Alcohol by Patt Denning, Jeannie Little, Adina Glickman
  • Responsible Drinking: A Moderation Management Approach for Problem Drinkers by Frederick Rotgers, Marc F. Kern, Rudy Hoeltzel
  • Get Your Loved One Sober: Alternatives to Nagging, Pleading, and Threatening