How do I know if I have a problem with drinking?
For those who suspect that they may have lost control of their drinking or who suspect that they may be addicted, the following confidential on-line assessment can help them identify their risks: www.mentalhealthscreening.org/screening/welcome.asp. 

ALERT research reveals that approximately one out of every 15 GVSU students drink alcoholically or pre-alcoholically, which can result in serious health and social problems as well as the risk of violence and injury.  These students drink three or more times per week and consume four to five or more drinks per occasion, and usually drink to get drunk.  Some are probably already addicted to alcohol; others are extremely likely to become addicted unless they are able to abstain or drastically reduce their alcohol consumption.  

Students who drink at these dangerous rates need to be aware 14 out of every 15 students, ~80% of students, drink moderately or not at all.  Heavy drinking is NOT the norm at Grand Valley State University. 

Recovery housing:
Apartment-style group housing is available for students self-identified as addicted to alcohol and other drugs that are active in 12-Step Recovery Programs and have a significant history of sobriety (at least six months of continuous sobriety).  A substance abuse counselor who is in recovery and has substantial experience working with recovering people is available to recovering students.  For more information on the Recovery House/AA on campus, contact NewYork Mike at 331-8545/2537.  All information is confidential. 

AA and other 12-Step meetings for alcohol and other drug addiction:
Twelve-step program meetings are scheduled on campus five-days a week. The meetings function not only to keep the residents and recovery community healthy and sober, but as a fourth level in GVSU’s procedure for handling alcohol violations by high-risk drinkers.   

Review of Grand Valley procedures for handling alcohol violations:
Level 1 begins when the Resident Assistant (RA) discovers that a student has violated GVSU’s policy against underage drinking in a campus housing, or a Public Safety officer issues an MIP.
Level 2 begins when the RA/Officer refers the student to “ACES,” a two-hour alcohol education program required for all students for whom the citation is a first offense.  
Level 3 commences if the student repeats the offense. At this point he or she is referred to the University Counseling Office to be assessed for substance abuse.  The student may undergo continued counseling on campus or be referred to a private counselor. 
Level 4 becomes referral to an AA or other 12-step group meeting on campus and in the community.

For more information on the Student Code and University Judiciary, go to http://www.gvsu.edu/dos/UniversityJudiciary.html  
For more information on the Recovery House/AA on campus, contact NY Mike at 331-8545/2537.  All information is confidential. 

ALERT Labs
(ALcohol, Education, Research, and Training Laboratories)
http://www4.gvsu.edu/alert