Drugs & Alcohol

Talk to someone about drugs or alcohol

Substance Use Intervention Services offers a safe, judgment-free space for drug and alcohol use and recovery support through the Collegiate Recovery Community. Call to make an appointment, or drop in during office hours.

Students also can request a meeting with a counselor to discuss their own substance use or concerns about a friend. Students who have been involved in minor alcohol-related incidents on campus may also be asked to meet with a counselor to reflect on their decisions as an alternative to participating in the campus judicial process.

Substance Use Intervention Services

625 N. Eagleson Ave.
Bloomington, IN 47405

Phone: 812-856-3898
Email: subuse@iu.edu

Why come to SUIS?

To learn how to talk to a friend or family member if you are concerned about their substance use
To expand your toolkit for socializing in safer ways
To find strategies for handling roommate conflict around substance use
To explore your relationship with substances in a confidential, judgment-free environment

I felt very welcomed and not judged. My problems were understood. It felt like my well-being was truly cared about and that my issues regarding substance use were being truly heard.
—IU Student

Substance use recovery and support

If you are recovering from drug or alcohol dependence, or would like to start your recovery process, Substance Use Intervention Services can help by assessing your needs, connecting you to the Collegiate Recovery Community, and referring you to services on and off campus.

Find recovery support services

Resources

Take a Cannabis T-Break

This guide from the University of Vermont will help support you on a cannabis tolerance break.

What kind of party animal are you?

Learn what your party habits say about you. Take this quiz from IU Indianapolis.

Lifeline Law

Whether your circle is big or small, Be That Friend who knows what to do when the party's over. The Indiana Lifeline Law provides legal immunity for certain charges to minors who call 9-1-1 in an alcohol-related emergency. Learn more at go.iu.edu/LifelineLaw

IU Bucket List

The IU Bucket List is a list of events and places to explore before you graduate from IU. New students receive a copy of the IU Bucket List at New Student Orientation that they can update as they complete items.

Overdose prevention

Naloxone is a highly effective overdose-reversing drug that can be administered via nasal spray or injection. Naloxone only works in the event of an overdose caused by an opioid, such as prescription painkillers, heroin, and fentanyl.

If you do not know what caused an overdose, administering naloxone will not cause additional harm.

The effects of naloxone can last between 30 and 90 minutes—always call 9-1-1 in the event of an overdose or suspected overdose, even after naloxone is used.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following signs may be present:

Unconscious and unresponsive to stimuli (i.e. speaking to them, loud clapping, or physical touch)
Inability to talk
Slow, erratic, or no breathing
Snoring, choking, or gurgling sounds that may indicate blocked airways
Slow, erratic, or no pulse
Skin that is pale gray or blue, especially around fingernails or lips
Vomiting

Naloxone is the generic name for an opioid overdose-reversal drug. Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids in the brain during an overdose, which assists in restoring consciousness and breathing long enough for the person to receive medical care.

Naloxone is safe and effective, and has been used by emergency medical professionals for over 40 years.

Naloxone can be given three ways: by injection into the muscle, by nasal spray, or by intravenous methods.

There are minimal risks associated with naloxone use. Naloxone is not a controlled substance, does not produce a high, and cannot create dependency or addiction. Someone who used opioids who has been given naloxone may experience signs of withdrawal upon waking due to the opioid-blocking effects of naloxone.

If you suspect an opioid overdose, it is safe to administer naloxone. It will not have an effect on overdoses caused by non-opioid substances such as cocaine, benzodiazepines, or alcohol, but it will not cause additional harm.

Always call 9-1-1 if you suspect an overdose, because the person may need additional care.

Free naloxone kits are available at the IU Substance Use Intervention Services office. No prior appointment is necessary.

506 N. Fess Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47408
812-856-3898

Administering Naloxone during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves and face protection, as most first responders are doing for all emergency calls during the COVID-19 pandemic. If the person is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 or if you see illicit drugs in powder or liquid form, put on additional PPE as recommended by CDC.
If possible, position the person’s head facing away from you.
Administer naloxone following the instructions for use (the Evzio auto-injector provides voice instructions).
Start other life support measures if needed and if trained to do so, using appropriate precautions if the person is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19.
Stand up and step back to a distance of at least 6 feet as the person regains consciousness.
Assess the person, introduce yourself, and explain to them what led to naloxone administration. Explain the effects of naloxone (see below) and make sure the person receives professional medical follow-up.
When safe, remove PPE following appropriate safety procedures. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available and you had no skin contact with illicit drugs, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Naloxone blocks the effects of opiates on the brain. If the person wakes up after naloxone is administered, they may experience immediate opioid withdrawal symptoms such as chills, nausea, and muscle aches. They may also be scared, nervous, or restless. Stay with them until medical help arrives.

References:

Indiana Department of Health. (2021, August 3). Naloxone 101. https://www.in.gov/health/overdose-prevention/naloxone/naloxone-101/

Not sure where to go for help?

Submit a Care Referral