Substance Abuse Prevention

The Counseling and Wellness Center provides confidential and non-judgmental support to students who want to talk about issues regarding alcohol or other substances. If your concern is for yourself, a roommate, or someone you care about, we can help. We offer referral options, sobriety and risk reduction support to anyone seeking positive change. We can help sort out any confusion you may have regarding the role substances may be playing in your life. We provide free voluntary services to all Western students and we coordinate enrollment in an evidence-based program that is part of the fulfillment of sanctions required by the University for students who have violated Western's alcohol and other drug policies.

Medical Amnesty Law

An alcohol or drug overdose is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. 

The Medical Amnesty Law protects you and the person who needs help from being cited for underage drinking, so call 911 and save a life! 

Medical Amnesty Info

Workshops

The Counseling and Wellness Center offers educational sessions on alcohol and cannabis use with a focus on harm reduction, social norming, effects on the body and mind, and resources for students who would like to address substance use concerns. These sessions are open to all students and meet requirements for Office of Student Life and Residence Life referrals.

Cannabis Workshop

In the cannabis workshop, participants will learn about:

  • What cannabis is
  • The effects of cannabis and how it works in the brain
  • Common misperceptions
  • Campus data on cannabis use
  • Potential risks of cannabis use
  • Harm reduction strategies

Use the links below to register for a cannabis workshop. Please note: Registration for each workshop closes 48 hours before the workshop date.

Register for Oct. 18 cannabis workshop

Register for Oct. 22 cannabis workshop

Register for Nov. 12 cannabis workshop

Register for Nov. 15 cannabis workshop

Register for Dec. 3 cannabis workshop

Alcohol Workshop

In the alcohol workshop, participants will learn about:

  • Standard serving size
  • Blood alcohol level/content
  • The body's response to alcohol and tolerance
  • Recognizing and responding to an alcohol emergency 
  • Harm reduction strategies
  • Potential long-term academic and health risks

Use the links below to register for an alcohol workshop. Please note: Registration for each workshop closes 48 hours before the workshop date.

Register for Oct. 25 alcohol workshop

Register for Oct. 29 alcohol workshop

Register for Nov. 19 alcohol workshop

Register for Nov. 22 alcohol workshop

Register for Dec. 6 alcohol workshop

Self-Paced Training
& Worksheets

eCheckup To Go

The eCheckup To Go training is intended to help you increase your self-awareness, explore your options, and make informed choices, should you choose to use alcohol, cannabis, or nicotine. Western is deeply committed to the greatest health, well-being, and safety of all our students, and we hope you find the training valuable.

Cannabis T-Break Guide

Dryish January Guide

Recovery and Treatment Options

Illustrated prescription drug bottle on a green circle background

Prescription Drug Disposal

Help keep our community safe by safely disposing of your unused and expired medications.

Learn more and order a drug disposal pouch

Illustration of a broken cigarette on a green circle background

Quit Nicotine Support

Thinking of quitting smoking or vaping? You are not alone and help is available.

Learn more and get support to quit