Faculty and Staff:  What do I do if I am concerned about a student’s alcohol or drug use?

As a faculty member you may notice changes in your student’s behavior, attendance or academic performance and wonder the reasons for these changes.  At times, faculty have suspected that students are coming to their classes drunk or high and are unsure what to do in these situations. 

Here are some of the common signs that you might be aware of in a student with substance abuse issues:

  • Withdrawal from their usual activities
  • Mood swings
  • Sudden outbursts of anger
  • Financial problems
  • Decline in their academic performance
  • Missing classes
  • Not caring about things they usually care about
  • Worsening personal hygiene
  • Drowsiness
  • Low motivation
  • Paranoia
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Impaired memory
  • Increased hunger

Of course, these can also be symptoms of other problems such as depression or anxiety and sometimes students who are using alcohol or drugs are doing so to self-medicate other problems.   You can consult with the Ball State University Counseling Center staff if you have concerns about a student.  Contact us at (765) 285-1736, 

How do I approach a student about my concern about their alcohol or drug use?

  1. Focus on their behavior:  list a specific problems that have occurred because of the student's drinking or drug use such as “I have noticed you haven’t been attending classes and you haven’t been turning in assignments lately”.
  2. Choose a private location where you can talk. Express your concern for the  student.
  3. Talk in calm voice without judgment or criticism.  Ask them if they are feeling depressed, anxious and/or suicidal.
  4. Talk when they are sober.
  5. Be sure to distinguish between the person and the behavior. "I think you're an intelligent person and  lately you don’t seem to care about  school."
  6. If the student is hallucinating, incoherent, agitated or belligerent call the BSU University Police or 911.
  7. Encourage and refer the student to consult with a professional to talk about their drug or alcohol problem .  The Counseling Center offers individual and group counseling for treatment of alcohol and drugs.  We also offer prevention outreach programs throughout the school year.  Call the BSU Counseling Center for more information (765) 285-1736
  8. Contact the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) to report your concern about this student  or contact the Dean of Students 765-285-1545  .