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  1. Home
  2. Counseling and Psychological Services
  3. Drug and Alcohol Resources

Penn State Alcohol and Marijuana Intervention Programs

Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students: (BASICS)

  • Penn State students who have an alcohol violation on or off campus, or an alcohol-related visit to the emergency department at Hershey Medical Center (or other local hospital) are required by the University to complete the BASICS program administered by the Counseling and Psychological Services Department. These students are mandated by Penn State’s Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response (OSACR) or Residence Life. Students may also be referred by a county or district magistrate.
  •  **Students who do not have a violation but who are interested in learning more about alcohol are also encouraged to use the confidential service, free of charge. 

Marijuana Intervention Program (MIP)

  • Penn State students who are found in possession of small amounts of marijuana or under the influence of marijuana on campus are mandated to complete MIP, by the Penn State Harrisburg Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response (OSACR)  or Residence Life. 
  • **Students who are concerned about their marijuana use or are interested in learning more, but have not had a marijuana incident can take MIP as a self referral. This service is free of charge. 
  • How To Schedule: To Schedule an appointment for either BASICS or MIP, call the Counseling and Psychological Services Department at : 717-948-6025 during regular business hours.
  • About BASICS/MIP: The BASICS and MIP programs use a harm reduction approach and is designed to:
    • Promote a non-judgmental environment to help you explore your alcohol use
    • Reduce risky behavior and harmful consequences of alcohol abuse
    • Identify changes that could help you reduce your risk
  • Time Commitment: The BASICS and MIP Programs consist of three sessions with the addictions counselor, each lasting 50-60 minutes. During the first session, the student will meet with a counselor to complete an assessment. Between the first and second session, students will be asked to complete an online questionnaire regarding their drinking and substance use practices. At the second session, students receive personalized feedback and psychoeducation based on the results of the questionnaire that was completed. The third session is in a group format, where students will engage in open discussions surrounding alcohol and other drugs, as well as overall health. Additional sessions beyond the first three may be required for some students.  
  • Location: The programs are offered at the Counseling and Psychological Services office, 205 Student Enrichment Center.
  • Confidentiality: The information you share during the BASICS and MIP sessions are confidential; however, we will disclose health information about you when required to do so by federal, state or local law. We may use and disclose health information about you when necessary to prevent a serious threat to your health and safety or the health and safety of the public or another person. Any disclosure, however, would only be to someone able to help prevent that threat. Mandated students will be asked to acknowledge a release of information statement that will allow BASICS staff to verify completion with the appropriate Penn State offices.
  • An Evidence-Based Program: Penn State’s BASICS program is based on a program created by Dr. Alan Marlatt (Former Director, Addictive Behaviors Research Center and Professor of Psychology at the University of Washington). The BASICS program is one of the most effective alcohol education interventions with college students. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has recognized BASICS as an evidence-based model program.

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Penn State Harrisburg

A comprehensive college in southcentral Pennsylvania offering more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs.
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