Substance Abuse

Here at the University of Chicago, you face many opportunities for growth and change. With opportunities come choices. Among these are decisions regarding the role that alcohol and other drugs will have in your experience here. Many people have actually used alcohol or other drugs prior to coming to the University. All people begin to form expectations about the effects of these substances long before they ever consider using them. Entering the University community, however, often leads to new opportunities, incentives, and even pressures to use or abuse alcohol or other drugs.

Whether you are over or under 21, the legal drinking age, you will be faced with decisions regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs. When encountering opportunities -- at parties, on dates, or in your dorm or apartment -- to use or abuse alcohol or other drugs, it is important to remember that you have choices. Prepare yourself to make informed decisions. The consequences of alcohol or other drug use can be devastating. The choices you make can affect your academic performance, increase your chance of contracting a sexually transmitted disease or developing other acute or chronic physical problems, expose you to legal repercussions, or jeopardize your enrollment at the University (which prohibits the unlawful manufacture, possession, use, distribution, sale, or purchase of alcohol or illicit drugs).

Any person can develop problems of substance abuse or dependence. Some factors, however, can place certain individuals at increased risk for these problems. Such factors include having a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, who has a problem with drugs or alcohol. Being closely involved with someone, such as a family member, spouse, or friend, who displays alcoholic or addictive behavior can also lead to emotional conflicts and subsequent problems in managing relationships and getting along with others.

You may at some point have concerns about the use of alcohol or other drugs by yourself or someone you know. It is often frightening to consider the possibility of a serious problem. A natural first reaction to such fears is to ignore them or to deny that anything could be wrong.

The staff of the Student Counseling and Resource Service is available to discuss concerns you may have regarding drug or alcohol use in your own life or the life of someone close to you. Frequently, seeking professional assessment can bring new perspective. To obtain confidential advice and assistance, please contact:

Doug Culbert, PhD
(773) 702-9800