Programs & Services : Student Assistance Program
Higher Education Services
Caron acknowledges the many challenges that face young adults enrolled in higher education. Caron's Student Assistance Programs are based on research that has demonstrated positive outcomes utilizing best practices. Recognizing that every institution of higher education is unique, Caron professionals facilitate the creation of a program designed to best meet its community's needs. Caron provides on-going support, consultation and follow-up, which is paramount to a program's success.
The following options are not a comprehensive offering. An additional strength of Caron is its staff's abilities to adapt and create programs as the administration, faculty and students provide critical input.
Direct Student Services
Leadership/Peer Training
Peers are extremely important in the life of college students. Whether a residence life staff member, peer mentor, student athlete, or other campus leader, students can be trained to identify and appropriately address issues such as substance abuse. Topics include current trends in college high-risk drinking, secondary effects of alcohol on campus and in the communities, as well as safety concerns. Training is customized for the particular population peers are most likely to interact with and the setting within which this interaction takes place.
Classroom Presentations
Serving as a guest lecturer, a Caron Higher Education Specialist can provide basic drug and alcohol education, debunking myths and challenging risky behaviors.
Large Group Presentations
Caron Higher Education Specialists can speak to large groups, such as those found in orientation programs. Current trends and "myths and realities" are but two of the potential topics.
Support Groups/Aftercare
Support groups function as a safe environment in which to express feelings, to gain a sense of belonging and as a learning laboratory to gain self-acceptance and social skills. Specific support groups include, but are not limited to, anger management, grief/loss, healthy relationships, children of alcoholics, early intervention, stress management, tobacco cessation and students in early recovery.
Alcohol Intervention Program (AIP)/Drug Intervention Program (DIP)
AKA First-Time Offenders Program
Utilizing the first "teachable moment" for many college students, Caron provides a supportive educational intervention. As a component of an institution's judicial sanctions process, students are required to attend an informal, interactive program led by a Caron Specialist. This program includes the dangers of high risk drinking and introductory information on dependency and addiction. Potential limitations on career options, due to underage drinking and charges are also discussed. Students are also encouraged to evaluate their strategies for success.
Repeat offenders or those with more serious initial offenses are required to receive an individual, comprehensive alcohol and other drug assessment.
Assessment/Consultation/Intervention Services
As one of the premier drug and alcohol treatment centers in the country, Caron is uniquely qualified to address the issues of young adults struggling with alcohol and other drug use. A trained professional can provide individual assessments with a recommendation for follow-up. Consultation and, as needed, intervention services are also available.
Faculty/Staff Services
Faculty In-servicing
Addressing issues such as the faculty member's role in identifying a student with substance abuse issues, current drug and alcohol trends, wellness issues and strengthening communication between academic and student affairs professionals are among the goals of this customized program.
Staff Awareness Training
Student Affairs and Academic Affairs staff members typically have interactions with students on a casual, as well as formal, basis. This training provides an awareness of current issues, increasing the effectiveness of these interactions.
Curriculum Infusion
Assistance is provided to faculty who wish to incorporate alcohol and other drug education and prevention into their syllabi. Whether the course is in the field of science, psychology, public relations, business, or almost any other subject, an academically sound connection can be designed.
College Student Assistance Program
Based upon the philosophy and practice of the secondary school's Student Assistance Program, this is an opportunity to develop an intervention team composed of faculty and staff. The process of identifying and providing help to those students grappling with substance abuse and/or mental health issues is a challenging, yet rewarding one. Legal issues are also addressed, including such topics as student rights, confidentiality, and parent involvement. Caron support is available during the initial planning and training stages, as well as on an on-going consultant basis.
Campus Alcohol & Other Drug Policy Consultation
Caron specialists can advise as to best practices to enhance the institution's academic environment and student safety. As a part of this service, presentations can be made to groups such as the Board of Trustees.
Services for Parents / Other Concerned Individuals
Parent Orientation
A Caron Higher Education Specialist can be a part of an institution's parent orientation program. The presentation offers both challenges to parents, as well as supportive answers to some of their more difficult questions. Specific topics can include: current trends, myths and realities regarding alcohol and other drugs; parenting for prevention; and enabling.
Educational Updates
Caron provides research-based prevention updates on club drugs and other chemicals frequently abused by college students.
Parenting Intervention Training
Should a student be resistant to the acknowledgement of a personal problem with alcohol/other drugs, a Caron Higher Education Specialist, supported by Caron’s intervention professionals, can provide assistance. Parents will be coached on how to confront their son or daughter about his/her substance abuse problem.
