About Alcohol and Other Drugs

Alcohol has been a part of college and university life since the first colleges were founded and remains to this day the drug most abused by college students. The U.S. Surgeon General has identified “binge drinking” or “high risk drinking” (defined as consuming 5 or more drinks for males and 4 or more drinks for females in one sitting) among college students as a major public health problem in this country. Results from the highly publicized Harvard School of Public Health College Alcohol Study (2001) reveal that 44% of college students nationwide report binge drinking.

At UCSB, the 2006 Prevention Research Center (PRC) survey indicates that while most UCSB students choose to drink alcohol (80%), about 20% of students choose not to drink. About half of UCSB students drink in moderation when they choose to drink, but the other half report binge drinking in the previous two weeks. This means that some UCSB students sometimes engage in high risk drinking—drinking that increases the risk of negative legal, physical, personal and/or academic consequences.

Campus Policies

UC and UCSB Substance Abuse Policies and Campus Regulations govern the behavior of students, faculty, staff, and student organizations. These policies prohibit the use of illegal substances and the abuse of legal substances in a manner that impairs scholarly activities, job performance, or student life. These policies are available at http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/policies. In addition, students living in university-owned housing are subject to substance use policies outlined in the Residential Life Handbook. Students who violate policies, rules, and regulations are subject to disciplinary action by Housing and Residential Services, and/or the Office of Judicial Affairs.

UCSB's Alcohol and Drug Program

UCSB uses a comprehensive research-based approach to the prevention of problems associated with college alcohol and drug use on campus and in the surrounding community. UCSB’s efforts to prevent and reduce high-risk drinking and drug use include strategies such as education, early intervention and referral to counseling, changes to the environment on campus and in Isla Vista, strict policies and enforcement, and evaluation of our efforts. A wide variety of campus and community agencies work collaboratively to promote a healthy and safe learning and living environment for UCSB students.

Professional and peer health educators based out of the Health Education department of UCSB’s Student Health Service provide a variety of educational and prevention-oriented programs on campus and in the community of Isla Vista. Alcohol and Drug Program staff and counselors work with both individual students and groups of students on issues related to college alcohol and drug use.

New Student Alcohol Education Requirement

As part of UCSB’s comprehensive approach to alcohol education and prevention, all new students are required to complete and pass the MyStudentBody.com First Year Alcohol Course. This requirement is intended to help ensure that students have information to help them stay safe and healthy. The requirement applies to all new undergraduate first year and transfer students in their first quarter. It must be completed within the first five weeks of a students’ first quarter at UCSB or a registration block may prevent registration for classes in future quarters. MyStudentBody.com was developed specifically for college students and provides personalized health information, interactive tools, and coping strategies that are up-to-date and scientifically accurate. For detailed information on the requirement, visit http://alcohol.sa.ucsb.edu.

Alcohol and Drug Program Services

Information, education, counseling, support, and referrals are available to students and provided in a non-judgmental environment by trained Alcohol and Drug Program (ADP) counselors and staff. Free services are offered at Student Health Services and Embarcadero Hall in Isla Vista including:

Free, confidential counseling by calling 893-3371
confidential counseling on alcohol and drug issues
individual and group support for students in recovery from alcohol or drugs
seminars, workshops, and information sessions on alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, gambling, and study drugs
a five-week College Alcohol & Substance Education (CASE) course (required for students who violate residence hall alcohol and drug policies) and available to UCSB students referred by Santa Barbara County Courts
free and confidential tobacco cessation counseling and education
Internet tools (www.MyStudentBody.com, E-Chug, and E-Toke) for on-line access to alcohol information and confidential risk assessment
assessment, information, and referrals for students experiencing alcohol or other drug-related emergencies
consultation for students, parents, faculty and staff who are concerned about a UCSB student

For information or assistance, please call (805) 893-5013. Students can make confidential appointments with a counselor by calling (805) 893-3371. Detailed information about services is available at http://alcohol.sa.ucsb.edu.

College Alcohol Skills Education (CASE)

The UCSB Alcohol and Drug Program offers a five-session course called CASE: College Alcohol and Substance Education based upon the latest research in alcohol and drug prevention for college students. This program is an early intervention program intended to help college students develop the skills needed to reduce their drinking and make safer choices. UCSB’s Alcohol and Drug Program has partnered with the Office of Residential Life to implement the CASE Program for students who violate alcohol and drug policies in the residence halls. CASE course content includes:

CASE course content includes:

alcohol and drug information (such as the effects of blood alcohol concentration)
discussion of health, social, academic, and legal consequences of college alcohol and other drug use
risk reduction strategies and skills (including how to moderate drinking and identify an alcohol or drug emergency)
strategies for preventing future problems with alcohol and drugs

More information about CASE is available by calling (805) 893-5013.

Tobacco Prevention and Education

The Tobacco Prevention Program, a part of UCSB’s Alcohol and Drug Program, provides education, prevention, and cessation services to UCSB students. The program works to raise awareness about the effects of tobacco, prevent non-smokers from becoming tobacco users, help users break their addiction to tobacco, and protect the public from exposure to secondhand smoke. The program offers information and education, intake and assessment, individual and group counseling, relapse prevention, monitoring and evaluation of individual progress, follow up and ongoing support, and referral services. Most adult smokers want to quit. Whether a student is ready to quit smoking or just now thinking of it, the Tobacco Prevention Program can provide a safe and non-judgmental place to talk about the challenges of overcoming nicotine addiction. Free and confidential tobacco cessation counseling is available to all UCSB students. Upon visiting the tobacco specialist, a student may try a Nicotine Replacement Therapy (gum, patch, lozenge) at no cost for two months. For more information, call (805) 893-5013. Free appointments can be scheduled by calling (805) 893-3371.

Signs of a Problem with Alcohol or Drugs

Some college students develop problems with alcohol or drug use. The following is a list of warning signs to be aware of:

Blackouts
High tolerance for alcohol or other drugs
Family history of alcohol or other drug problems
Loss of control and inability to predict behavior when under the influence
Interference with school/work performance or attendance
Turning to alcohol or drugs in response to emotional ups and downs
Complaints from friends or family about using, or suggestions to cut down
Legal or financial problems as a result of using

Alcohol and Drug Counseling

If you suspect that your son or daughter has a pattern of drinking or using too much you can help by telling him or her that you are concerned. If you have questions or need advice, please call UCSB’s Alcohol and Drug Program at (805) 893-5013. Students can schedule free and confidential appointments with an alcohol and other drug counselor at (805) 893-3371. Confidential counseling appointments are also available with psychologists at Counseling Services by calling (805) 893-4411.

Academic Classes, Internships, and Peer Health Education

Education 191B: Alcohol and Drugs
Offered winter and summer quarters (4 units), ED 191B provides internship training on alcohol and drugs including life skills, health skills, and peer education skills. The class examines the role party culture in college plays in a healthy lifestyle. Students who complete ED 191B are eligible to apply for an academic internship called Students Teaching Alcohol and other drug Responsibility (STAR) through ED 191D. Call (805) 893-2630 for information.

Education 191D: Students Teaching Alcohol and other drug Responsibility (STAR) Health Internship
Offered fall, winter and spring quarters (3 units), the STAR academic internship focuses on increasing safety at UCSB. Students put into practice the alcohol, drugs, and helping skills knowledge they learned in ED 191B. Call (805) 893-2630 for information.

Exercise and Sports Studies 2: Substance Abuse
This three unit course is an overview designed to introduce students to physiological, psychological, and social ramifications of alcohol and drug abuse. Topics such as peer pressure, psychosocial stress, abuse patterns, intervention programs, drug testing, and utilization of local agencies are discussed.

Local Laws and County Ordinances
Campus Police and the Isla Vista Foot Patrol strictly enforce the law on campus and in Isla Vista. For their own safety, students will be cited or arrested if they are found to be breaking the law, therefore UCSB students should be familiar with local and state laws and County ordinances. A list of these laws and ordinances as well as penalties and fines can be found on the Isla Vista Foot Patrol web site at http://www.sbsheriff.org/ivfp.html. The following is a partial list of illegal activities that carry stiff fines and/or suspension of a driver’s license; some violations will result in arrest and booking into jail:

Minor in possession of alcohol
Furnishing alcohol to a minor
Driving/biking under the influence
Public consumption of alcohol
Display of an open container of alcohol
Possession of alcohol in Isla Vista parks
Public intoxication
Possession of marijuana
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Possession of false identification
Urinating in public
Nighttime noise violation (amplified noise Sun.-Thurs. after 10pm; Fri./Sat. after 12pm)
Disturbing the peace

Isla Vista Residence Host Training

ACT-California.com provides an on-line Resident Host Certification Course that teaches student residents to know the law and consequences around alcohol use, to understand their lease restrictions, and to develop appropriate practices for hosting responsible social gatherings. Listed on the Web site are the property management companies in Isla Vista that have signed agreements with ACT and will accept students’ certificates. These companies will treat the certificate just like a positive renter reference or high credit score and are eager to have student residents who show this kind of knowledge and commitment. This course is designed by community experts and students with the aim of reaching higher levels of awareness regarding safety and responsible alcohol use in Isla Vista. Visit ACT-California.com for more information.

Parental Notification

UCSB conducts parental notification as one way to address the negative consequences of high risk drinking and substance abuse in the community of Isla Vista. Using public records, UCSB sends letters of concern to undergraduate students, and informs parents, if students are arrested or cited for an alcohol or drug-related offense in Isla Vista and other areas adjacent to campus. However, in an effort not to discourage students from seeking needed medical attention, parents will not be notified if students receive emergency medical treatment in addition to the citation or arrest. Through this notification program both students and parents are provided with resource and referral assistance and information, as well as suggestions for how to address and reduce high-risk behaviors. Questions or concerns about parental notification should be addressed to the Dean of Students Office at (805) 893-4569.

Alternatives to the College Party Scene

Students who choose not to drink or use substances at UCSB are not alone. Approximately 20% of UCSB students do not drink alcohol and at UCSB there are plenty of things to do on weekends that do not involve partying. UCSB After Dark Late Nite Social Programming is a university-wide effort that focuses on changing the campus social culture through creating and supporting activities and venues that do not focus on alcohol. UCSB After Dark, in collaboration with student organizations, Associated Students, campus departments and local businesses, develops regular alcohol-free options and provides new entertainment and recreational opportunities. The UCSB After Dark intern is also a resource for students who want to connect with others socially outside of the college party scene. Students can contact MacPherson.Intern@sa.ucsb.edu or visit http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/OSL/latenite/ for advice, resources, and more information about how to get involved.

Arts & Lectures, the MultiCultural Center, Residence Halls Association, and A.S. Program Board present weekend concerts, films, cultural programs, and entertainment throughout the year. Campus entertainment options also include the UCen’s “After Hours @ the Hub,” which includes a variety of free, late night events such as concerts, dances, talent showcases and comedy shows. UCSB’s “IV Live” performance series offers a double-dose of improvisational comedy with two shows in Isla Vista featuring students from Improvability, UCSB’s premier comedy troupe. Isla Vista is also home to the Magic Lantern film series, presenting a wide range of new, independent, and cult movies twice on Friday nights.

Student-initiated social, recreational, and entertainment activities and events are also planned by student organizations every weekend. For weekend happenings, students can look for the UCSB After Dark Calendar every Thursday in the Daily Nexus.