Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention in College Students (BASICS)
BASICS is an empirically supported, two-session alcohol assessment and education program open to all Eastern students. The BASICS program allows students to explore their alcohol and drug use in a non-judgmental environment. The program's goal is to reduce high risk behavior thereby decreasing the incidence of harmful consequences of alcohol abuse. BASICS involves two 50 minute sessions. In the first session, the student will meet with a prevention specialist or graduate student and complete a brief intake assessment, which includes an electronic screening called eCheckup To Go for Alcohol. BASICS sessions are intentionally spaced two weeks apart to allow the student an opportunity to self-monitor drinking behavior, complete reflection and use log exercises, implement possible changes, and/or maintain behavior changes.
At the second session, the student and BASICS facilitator will discuss the assessment outcomes and explore ways to reduce their risks associated with alcohol use. Although other drugs may be discussed briefly in these sessions, the primary emphasis is on alcohol. At the conclusion of BASICS, students are provided with specific feedback and recommendations related to their behavior; resources and referrals are also given if needed.
