University of Massachusetts Amherst

Program Description

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), is funding the University of Massachusetts Amherst $473,789 per year for 3 years to implement Enhancing Services for College Students using Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention of College Students (BASICS) for high-risk drinkers. This program is an evidence-based intervention to reduce high-risk drinking and associated consequences among undergraduate students (18 to 24 years of age) who are charged with violating campus alcohol policies or referred from University Health Services, the Cooley Dickinson Hospital, campus police, Housing, or town police.

Campus Description

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system and has a current enrollment of approximately 18,000 undergraduate students. Data from the Massachusetts Campus/Community Partnership Initiative Web-based College Student Survey revealed that binge drinking rates exceed 50 percent, with the vast majority of students reporting one or more alcohol-related consequences.

Program Model

Screening

Assessments, conducted over a secure Web site, include questions adapted from the Daily Drinking Questionnaire (DDQ), Frequency Quantity Questionnaire (FQQ), Readiness to Change, Family History Questionnaire, and the Boston University School of Public Health Survey.

Screening also includes the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Rutgers Alcohol Problems Inventory (RAPI), and the Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS).

Brief Intervention

Brief interventions are conducted by prevention specialists at University Health Services using BASICS.

During the first session, the Brief Drinker Profile is used to assess students’ health behaviors and personal family history of alcohol use.

In the second session, students receive personalized feedback, information on myths and facts about alcohol norms, methods to reduce future risks associated with alcohol use, and a menu of options to assist them in making changes.

Referral

Students needing substance abuse treatment or additional interventions are referred to community providers.

Service Features

A database tracking system interfaces with housing, judicial action, and student information systems, creating a coordinated campus and community referral program for high-risk drinkers.

Collaborators

  • University Health Services
  • Dean of Students Office
  • University of Massachusetts Amherst Police
  • School of Public Health and Health Services
  • Amherst Police Department
  • Apartment complex managers in Amherst
  • Cooley Dickinson Hospital
  • Holyoke Hospital

Contact Information

Diane Federochak, Project Director
University of Massachusetts at Amherst
University Health Services
150 Infirmary Way
Amherst, MA 01003
(413) 577-5188
dfedorchak@uhs.umass.edu