We take a collaborative approach to working with students in an effort to enhance overall wellness and personal success. Our strategy includes interacting with on-campus and local community partners to create spiritual, emotional, physical, educational, professional, and social opportunities for growth. This approach allows us to connect students to resources that will facilitate progress and overall well-being. We help students navigate the often rocky terrain of college life by assisting them during challenging times, affirming their strengths, and promoting confidence.
The office of student support and wellness promotion (SSWP) offers education and screening to students who are referred through the Office of Student Conduct as part of the sanctioning process for an alcohol/drug-related incident.
SSWP is well aware that students who are sanctioned to our office are certainly not the only students who have experienced an alcohol or drug related issue. In fact, there are many college students who struggle with substance use issues in silence. Additionally, a member of Loyola’s caring community, such as a professor, a roommate, or a friend may notice a student who seems to be challenged by making good choices when it comes to alcohol and/or drugs. Sometimes, students recognize that their alcohol or drug use has become problematic, and they demonstrate the courage to walk in to the SSWP office on their own. We welcome every student, at any time.
SSWP wholeheartedly believes that, “caring for the whole person takes the support of the whole community.” As a result, SSWP is very well-connected to community resources, many of which are within walking distance of the University. Inevitably, there will be situations that require a level of support that exceeds the capability of institutional resources. In such instances, we will meet with students individually to determine the most appropriate next step toward support.
What to expect at when the office of student conduct refers you to SSWP as part of the sanctioning process
You can expect to participate in the following screening:
Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS)
BASICS is a highly flexible, personalized, two-session program designed to help students examine their alcohol use through a personalized feedback report. BASICS allows students to build their knowledge about alcohol use and its associated effects and consequences. Students will gain awareness about ways to devise strategies to minimize risks associated with alcohol use, and increase their motivation to change current risky behaviors. Finally, BASICS encourages students to identify realistic strategies to reduce risk for future alcohol related problems.
Alcohol-Related Information
What is Binge Drinking?
- Five or more drinks for men and four or more drinks for women on the same occasion on at least one day in the past 30 days.
What is Heavy Alcohol Use?
- Binge drinking on five or more days in the past 30 days.
College Drinking Trends
- College students have an increasing risk for an alcohol use disorder as they near the legal drinking age. While 104,000 of 18-year-old college students met the criteria for an alcohol use disorder in 2019, that number more than doubled to 231,000 by age 21.
- Full-time college students tend to drink more than others in their age group
- In 2019, 53 percent of full-time college students drank alcohol in the past month.
- Of those 53 percent of college students who drank in the past month, 33 percent reported binge drinking, and 8 percent reported heavy drinking in the past month.
- Many students may come to college with established drinking habits. Among 12th graders in 2019, 59 percent had already tried alcohol and 41 percent said they had been drunk at least once.
- By 2019, the percent of males using alcohol each month was 51 percent, compared to 53 percent of females.
- Rates of binge and heavy drinking by male students continues to exceed that of female students.
- In 2019, binge drinking was reported by 35 percent of male students and by 31 percent of female students.
- Heavy drinking was reported by 10 percent of males and 7 percent of females.
Consequences
About one-quarter of college students report having negative academic consequences because of their drinking, including:
- missing class
- falling behind in their studies
- doing poorly on exams or papers
- receiving lower grades overall
Each year, among college students ages 18 to 24:
- 3,360,000 drive under the influence of alcohol
- 696,000 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking
- 599,000 who are under the influence of alcohol are unintentionally injured
- 22,219 are hospitalized for an alcohol overdose
- 1,519 die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including motor-vehicle crashes.
(Adapted from the Substance Abuse and mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2021)
Loyola University Maryland Partners
Learn more about Loyola University Maryland's Department Partners
Be Aware
KNOW THE LAW!
Possessing or using a fake ID in Maryland is considered a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine. Selling a fake ID, however, carries a harsher penalty of up to 2 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $2000.
Opportunities
OPTIONS is a club aimed at broadening the Loyola experience by helping students meet new people, make lasting friendships, and experience community.
Clubs: Students can join or create their own club based on their own unique interests.
ADAPT Peer Educators: ADAPT is a peer education group committed to empowering, educating and creating change among our peers and our community. ADAPT increases awareness about wellness issues related to alcohol and other drug use.
Be Supported
Community Groups
Treatment