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Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; it is self-supporting through its own contributions. A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Its primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. Currently, AA meetings are held on campus on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 1:00 PM in SUB 2, VIP 3 and on Sunday at 10:30 AM in ENT 276. Check on line at http://www.gmu.edu/student/hwc/saps/aa.html for scheduling changes and a list of local meetings and other resources.
The Drug and Alcohol Policy forbids the abuse of drugs and alcohol by members of the campus community. By defining standards of behavior and by providing educational programs to create an awareness of drug and alcohol-related problems, the University attempts to prepare individuals to act responsibly. Those in need of assistance are encouraged to seek the confidential services of theUniversity’s Coordinator of Substance Abuse Programs and Services. See policy specifics at http://deanofstudents.gmu.edu/UNIVERSITY_DRUG_And_ALCOHOL_POLICY.pdf.
Individual Counseling assists students in resolving issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, anger, sexuality, relationships, discrimination, and alcohol and drug use that may contribute to emotional distress and interfere with personal and academic success. Visit http://www.gmu.edu/departments/csdc/ind.htm.
Substance Abuse Programs and Services distributes informational materials and provides educational programming in an effort to increase knowledge of factual information regarding alcohol and other drugs, and to change alcohol and other drug related behavior. Educational services include: facilitating the infusion of substance abuse information into all areas of coursework, providing ongoing educational programs for students, faculty, staff, and administrators while maintaining a substance abuse information resource room. Topic-focused, awareness-raising events also provide a valuable opportunity for various campus departments to work collaboratively and convey a consistent message regarding alcohol and other drug related behaviors. Those interested in serving as a Peer Educator, please check out the requirements posted on this site, and download and submit the application. For further questions, please call the office (703-993-3687), visit the website (http://www.gmu.edu/student/hwc/saps/), or include your questions in an email to the Coordinator of Substance Abuse Programs Services. For informational materials for a class project, research paper, or presentation; a variety of factual information is available for student use in the Wellness Resource Center in SUB I. <back to top>Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) is a Twelve Step, Twelve Tradition program of women and men who grew up in alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional homes who meet with each other in a mutually respectful, safe environment and acknowledge their common experiences. The group aims to discover how childhood affected each individual in the past and how those experiences influence the present ("The Problem"). By practicing the Twelve Steps, focusing on "The Solution", and accepting a loving Higher Power for understanding, individuals find freedom from the past and a way to improve their lives today. For more information and listings of local meetings visit http://www.adultchildren.org/.
Al-Anon (which includes Alateen for younger members) offers hope and help to families and friends of alcoholics. It is estimated that each alcoholic affects the lives of at least four other people... alcoholism is truly a family disease. No matter what relationship a person has with an alcoholic, whether they are still drinking or not, all who have been affected by someone else’s drinking can find solutions that lead to serenity in the Al-Anon/Alateen fellowship. To find out more about the fellowship or to locate a meeting visit http://www.al-anon.org/.
Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; AA is self-supporting through its own contributions. A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. The primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. Check online at http://www.aavirginia.org/ for local meetings and other resources.
Arlington County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services seeks to improve the functioning of individuals and families and prevent the deterioration and adverse social consequences to individuals and the community resulting from alcohol and drug dependency. The continuum of treatment services includes the following: assessment, outpatient therapy and education programs, case management services, detoxification and residential treatment (of varying length and intensity). Programs provided directly by the County include prevention and early intervention in the schools, outpatient treatment, substance abuse education, case management, and jail-based treatment programs. Services are offered at 1725 N. George Mason Drive, Arlington, VA 22205. Individuals can call 703/228-4900 for more information or visit http://www.co.arlington.va.us/Departments/HumanServices/HumanServicesMain.aspx.
Fairfax County Alcohol and Drug Services seeks to reduce alcohol and other drug problems among residents and employees of Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church by reaching out to high risk groups and individuals, and extending prevention and treatment services to youth, adults, and family members experiencing problems associated with alcohol and/or drug use. For information call 703-359-7040 or visit http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/service/csb/ads/adsmain.htm.
Inova Comprehensive Addiction Treatment Services (CATS) provides an array of quality addiction services in Northern Virginia and the Greater Washington DC area. CATS offers a series of structured programs for patients and their concerned others, tailoring services according to individual needs. Treatment and counseling are provided by a professional staff of addiction specialists, including physicians, psychiatrists, nurses, certified addiction counselors and licensed professional counselors. For information or inquiries, call 703-776-7777 or visit http://www.inova.org/inovapublic.srt/mentalhealth/cats/index.jsp.
Loudoun County Department of Mental Health/Mental Retardation/Substance Abuse Services (MH/MR/SAS) has two Mental Health Centers that provide diagnostic and treatment services for Loudoun County citizens and families who are experiencing chronic or acute emotional problems. Both centers offer such services as alcohol and drug abuse treatment, mental health treatment, psychosocial rehabilitation, and 24-hour crisis intervention. For locations and contact information visit http://www.loudoun.gov/mhmr/mh.htm.
National Counseling Group, Inc. is dedicated to providing professional and effective counseling services to children, adolescents, and their families as well as adults in the Northern, Central and Eastern Virginia areas. NCG offers an array of outpatient services that bridge the gap between traditional mental health psychotherapy and substance abuse treatment techniques. For locations and more information visit http://www.nvcginc.com.
Prince William County Mental Health Adult Substance Abuse Program provides adult substance abusers and their families with a variety of treatment opportunities with services focused on recovery from the effects of alcoholism and drug addiction. Services include evaluation, case management services, individual therapy, crisis intervention, and medication management. For more information visit http://www.co.prince-william.va.us/.
The Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) works to improve transportation safety by decreasing the incidence of driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs and thereby reducing the number of alcohol and other drug-related crashes. Information on the objectives of VASAP and its programs can be found online at http://www.vasap.state.va.us.
Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control seeks to enhance the quality of life for Virginia's citizens by balancing service, revenue and control in the distribution, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Its goals are to control the distribution of alcoholic beverages; enforce the laws of the Commonwealth pertaining to alcoholic beverages and youth access to tobacco products; and to provide excellent customer service, a reliable source of revenue, and effective public safety. For more information, visit http://www.abc.state.va.us/.
The Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) is a public-private coalition formed to fight drunk driving, drugged driving and underage drinking in the Washington-metropolitan area. Through public education, innovative health education programs and advocacy, WRAP is credited with keeping the metro-Washington area's alcohol-related traffic deaths consistently lower than the national average. WRAP’s most popular program, SoberRide, is a free cab ride service for drinking drivers. Visit the website to find out more about these initiatives at http://www.wrap.org/ <back to top>Alcohol 101 Plus is an innovative, interactive program aimed at reducing the harm associated with the misuse of alcohol on college campuses. Set on a "virtual campus" it targets the general campus population and delivers four additional targeted scenarios focused on First Year Students, Greeks, Athletes, and College Judicial Systems. Each segment highlights specific issues, challenges, and decisions that these groups face relating to alcohol in a college setting and seeks to provide students and educators thoughtful and realistic scenarios for reflection and discussion. Visit http://www.alcohol101plus.org/home.html for interactive information.
The BACCHUS and GAMMA Peer Education Network is an international association of college and university based peer education programs focusing on alcohol abuse prevention and other related student health and safety issues. It is the mission of the association to actively promote peer education as a useful element of campus health education and wellness efforts. Peer Education programs focusing on alcohol, tobacco, violence prevention, sexual health and safety, and justice issues all find a home in this network. For information on health topics, conferences, and resources visit http://www.bacchusgamma.org.
The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University is a unique organization that houses all the professional disciplines needed to study and combat abuse of all substances – alcohol, nicotine, and illegal, prescription and performance enhancing drugs – in all sectors of society under one roof. CASA works to inform Americans of the economic and social costs of substance abuse and its impact on their lives. CASA also strives to remove the stigma of substance abuse and replace shame and despair with hope. Visit CASA at http://www.casacolumbia.org/ .
The 2006 College Alcohol Survey is the most recent results of the national longitudinal survey on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs and violence issues gathered at institutions of higher education. The co-authored research is gathered from Chief Student Affairs Officers at a sampling of 330 colleges and universities across the nation, is longitudinal in nature, and was initiated in 1979. The research identifies programs, strategies, policies, and related initiatives to address alcohol issues on college campuses. The research is not funded and provides a helpful evaluation of current efforts to address these needs. Previous years surveys are also available to show historical data. For 2006 data only see http://www.caph.gmu.edu/CAS/2006%20College%20Alcohol%20Survey%20Results.pdf or to view previous surveys visit http://www.caph.gmu.edu/rindex.htm#CAS .
CollegeDrinkingPrevention.gov is a one-stop resource for comprehensive research-based information on issues related to alcohol abuse and binge drinking among college students. This site is created by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) for college presidents, college students, college parents, as well as high school administrators and parents alike. Some information that can be found on the site includes statistics, fact sheets, brochures, alcohol policies, research, and power point presentations. For information about alcohol in the news and other great links visit their website at http://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/
The Governor’s Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (GOSAP) is an information clearinghouse for citizens and a working collaborative group of Virginia-based agencies involved in youth substance abuse and violence prevention. Together, these agencies contribute to preserving the overall quality of life for all Virginians by coordinating programs, expenditures and other resources devoted to reducing and eliminating violence. Included in this effort is a reduction effort in the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs among children and adolescents in communities statewide. For initiative information, reports and other resources visit http://www.gosap.state.va.us/.
Hazelden impacts the lives of individuals, families, and communities struggling with addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Hazelden is a nonprofit organization that helps people transform their lives by providing the highest quality treatment and continuing care services, education, research, and publishing products available today. Thousands of people from all 50 states and 42 foreign countries have turned to Hazelden to find expertise, quality care, and leading authorities on addiction and recovery issues. Today’s mission remains the same in assisting any alcoholic or addict wanting help. A vast list of resources and services is available online at http://www.hazelden.org..
The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) is a collaborative effort of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA). SAMHSA’s National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information is the Nation's one-stop resource for information about substance abuse prevention and addiction treatment. NCADI offers a wide variety of services and most are free of charge to the public. For more insight visit http://health.org/.
The National Commission Against Drunk Driving (NCADD) consists of a broad-based coalition of public and private sector organizations and other concerned individuals who are working together to reduce impaired driving and its tragic consequences. NCADD also hosts the National Youth Resource Center which is designed to assist individuals, organizations and others who are interested in reducing underage drinking. Additionally NCADD sponsors SoberRideTM, a program that focuses on reducing alcohol-related traffic crashes during traditionally high alcohol consumption holidays. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) fights the stigma and the disease of alcoholism and other drug addictions. For health information, fact sheets, current news articles and unlimited resources on numerous topics visit http://ncadd.org/.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) provides leadership in the national effort to reduce alcohol-related problems by conducting and supporting research in a wide range of scientific areas including genetics, neuroscience, epidemiology, health risks and benefits of alcohol consumption, prevention, and treatment. NIAAA believes that research and education will remove the stigma associated with the common complex disease of alcoholism. In addition, NIAAA strives to develop effective prevention and treatment addressing the physical, behavioral, and social risks attributable to excessive and underage alcohol consumption, chronic relapse, and improving the acceptance of, and access to, quality care. For more resources, publications, and clinical trial information visit http://www.niaaa.nih.gov.
The PROMISING PRACTICES: CAMPUS ALCOHOL STRATEGIES project was initiated in 1995 and developed to identify and disseminate promising campus-based efforts designed to address alcohol abuse and related problems. The project is funded by grants from The Century Council and strives to contribute to reducing alcohol-related problems among college and university students by motivating institutions of higher education to share their resources and strategies. The project consists of a coordinated series of published resources, including the SOURCEBOOK, the TASK FORCE PLANNER and TASK FORCE PLANNER GUIDE, and the ACTION PLANNER. When used together, these resources provide significant assistance for campus-based efforts to promote shared responsibilities for meaningful, sustained action. For more detailed information on each resource and how to maximize their use visit the project website at http://www.promprac.gmu.edu/2005/BGRNDindex.htm .
Recovery Month is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). Recovery Month is an annual observance that takes place during the month of September and highlights the societal benefits of substance abuse treatment, lauds the contributions of treatment providers, and promotes the message that recovery from substance abuse in all its forms is possible. The observance also encourages citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective substance abuse treatment for those in need. Recovery Month provides a platform to celebrate people in recovery and those who serve them. These successes often go unnoticed by the broader population; therefore, Recovery Month provides a vehicle to celebrate these successes. Recovery Month also serves to educate the public on substance abuse as a national health crisis and that addiction is a treatable disease, and recovery possible. Recovery Month highlights the benefits of treatment for not only the affected individual, but for their family, friends, workplace, and society as a whole. For more information check out the website at http://recoverymonth.gov.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) is a program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) whose mission is to build resilience and facilitate recovery for people with or at risk for substance abuse and mental illness. SAMSHA support is divided into three components, the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, and the Center for Mental Health Services. For current information in all areas of use, addiction, and drug abuse visit http://www.samhsa.gov/index.aspx.
The Task Force on College Drinking was created by the National Advisory Council on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to address the increasingly complex issue of alcohol abuse among college students. The goals of the Task Force are to provide research-based information about the nature and extent of dangerous drinking to high school and college administrators, students, parents, community leaders, policymakers, researchers, and members of the retail beverage industry. In addition, the Task Force offers recommendations to college and university presidents on the potential effectiveness of current strategies to reverse the culture of drinking on campus, and offers recommendations to the research community, including NIAAA, for future research on preventing hazardous college student drinking. Find student, administrator, and community dialogue with resources at http://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/<back to top>