Programs
Education, Prevention, Intervention, and Treatment
Source: The Student Handbook, Drug Policy (Section 13): https://deanofstudents.cofc.edu/honor-system/studenthandbook/index.php
2.1. The College’s first obligation in dealing with drug problems is to educate the College community. This obligation is addressed by a variety of prevention and education programs which are
offered, including formal and informal classes, lectures, discussions, and activities that address both
drug-abuse prevention and drug-related problems. Students are encouraged to participate in the
numerous campus organizations and activities which promote drug-free experiences. The College is
proud to have a Collegiate Recovery Program. A list of student organizations is available in the Stern
Student Center and at www.studentlife.cofc.edu. Current information about the risks and statistics related to drug use is available to students. Educational efforts also address personal intervention skills
to help members of the College community to better respond to students demonstrating problems
related to the use of drugs. As drug abuse is a societal issue, the College will also conduct research
and offer expertise in this area as a public service.
2.2. A second responsibility of the College is to promote an atmosphere where students who have
a problem with drug use will have the opportunity to seek help. Each student seeking assistance will
be provided an opportunity for an individual diagnostic assessment and will be offered information
on, or referral to appropriate services which address the improper use of drugs, including the misuse
of prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
2.3. Available services may include educational activities, structured groups, counseling, and selfhelp groups. Some of these services are offered on campus at no cost to the student, such as the
Collegiate Recovery Program. The cost of off-campus services is the responsibility of the student.
A. Students may receive assessment, counseling, and educational services from the Counseling
Center, (Robert Scott Small Building, 3rd floor, 953-5640), or from off-campus treatment providers.
B. This policy is not intended to create obligations or restrictions which may interfere with the
confidential nature of counseling, clinical, or therapeutic relationships. Confidentiality will be
maintained in accordance with state and federal laws.
Additional Education and Prevention:
The College of Charleston is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming college experience for all students. This includes multiple outreach and educational efforts to decrease or eliminate substance abuse. As part of our comprehensive alcohol prevention program, the college mandates (through the Dean of Students Office) that all new students (incoming and transfer students under the age of 25) at the College of Charleston are required to complete online prevention and education programs focusing on alcohol, marijuana, and sexual consent via 3rd Millennium. Students are tracked individually and 100% compliance is monitored. Anyone not completing the course prior to arrival at the college has a hold placed on their registration and may be called into the Dean of Students Office to explain their non-compliance. Substance misuse prevention efforts run throughout the school year, including annual training of Resident Assistants and Residence Hall Directors, presentations during student and parent orientations, and to Greek Life organizations in partnership with the Risk Managers, and a module on alcohol's effects on academics taught by the Peer Facilitators in the First Year Experience. Both formal and informal classes, lectures, discussions, and activities are offered by the counseling Center Health Educator and Substance Abuse Intervention Specialist, along with other staff who participate in the "Don't Drop That Class" program offering substance abuse information at the request of various faculty to enrich their curriculum. The Office of Student Wellness & Well-being, along with the Students 4 Support (trained volunteers), offer various health fairs and outreach activities. Additionally, the Counseling Center staff work with various organizations across campus to help plan engaging, alcohol-free activities and students are encouraged to participate in the various programs that are developed. A list of student organizations is available in the Stern Student Center and at https://cofc.campuslabs.com/engage/organizations.
The college also has a coordinated response to students who have a substance abuse incident. This includes students who are reported by other students, observed by a Resident Assistant, reported to the Dean due to concerns about a student (through the college FAST reporting system – Faculty/Friends/Family Assisting Students in Trouble), and whose care is managed by the multi-disciplinary team known as the Students of Concern Committee. Many of these students are directed by the Dean of Students to The Counseling Center for a substance abuse assessment and possible treatment. As a part of the assessment process, mandated students complete a self-assessment from the platform Therapy Assistance Online. This evidence-based practice tool is then reviewed with a trained substance abuse counselor. Based on the nature of the incident and the self-assessment students may enter into a four session treatment group. The Counseling Center staff are all trained in various evidence-based practices related to students at risk for, or presenting with substance abuse problems, including Motivational Interviewing. The Counseling Center staff also consult with various organizations around campus and in the larger community as needed related to substance abuse prevention and treatment, including but not limited to Student Health Services, Office of Victim Services, and Academic Advising. Special outreach messaging is also offered as new drug threats are discovered. Examples include warnings about alcohol-stimulant products, synthetic marijuana, or national trends such as the misuse of prescription or over-the-counter medications (ex. Pain killers, ADHD medications, and minor tranquilizers). More information is available by calling The Counseling Center, 843.953.5640.
Assessment and Treatment
For Students:
Counseling Center, 843.953.5640
Charleston Center, 843.958.3300
MUSC Institute of Psychiatry, Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs, 843.792.9162
MUSC, Psychiatry Resident Clinic 843.792.9162
MUSC, Emergency Room 843.792.3826
Roper Hospital Emergency Department, 843.724.2010
Palmetto Lowcountry Behavioral Health, 843.747.5830
Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program of S.C. 843.958.3300
Alcoholics Anonymous (near campus), Grace Episcopal Church, 98 Wentworth St, Charleston, Friday at 8:45pm
Narcotics Anonymous (on campus), Robert Scott Small Bldg, Rm 319, Saturday at 9:00pm
Urine Drug Testing Services:
Charleston Center, 843.958.3300
St. Andrews Medical Center, 843.763.2000
Lowcountry Drug Screening, 843.747.3224
Sexual Assault, substance related or not:
Tri County SPEAKS 843.745.0144
For Faculty and Staff:
Deer Oak EAP
Charleston Center, 843.958.3300
MUSC Institute of Psychiatry, Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs, 843.792.9162
MUSC, Psychiatry Resident Clinic 843.792.9162
MUSC, Emergency Room 843.792.3826
Roper Hospital Emergency Department, 843.724.2010
Palmetto Lowcountry Behavioral Health, 843.747.5830
Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program of S.C. 843.958.3300
Alcoholics Anonymous, 843.554.2998 Al-Anon, 843.762.6999
Narcotics Anonymous, 843.852.3001