Health Promotion and Education

How to Help a Friend

If you're concerned about someone's substance use, here are a few things to consider.

What to look for:

  • Are they drinking or using regularly?
  • How much are they consuming in one sitting?
  • Are they saying that it’s affecting their health?
  • Are they experiencing mental health concerns?
  • Are they using when they are sad, unhappy, anxious or stressed?
  • Do they have a family history of alcohol or other drug abuse/addiction?
  • Are their friends and loved ones expressing concern about their drinking?

If you think there’s a problem, ask questions—some examples are:

  • How many times a week or month do you drink/smoke/etc.?
  • How many drinks do you usually have?
  • Do you have a family history of alcohol or other drug abuse/addiction?
  • Do you use when you are sad, unhappy, anxious or stressed?
  • When using, what do you do to keep yourself safe?
  • What concerns do you have about your substance use?
  • Have your friends or loved ones expressed concern about your use?
  • Have you been treated for alcohol or other drugs in the past?
  • Are you aware of resources to get help?

Let them know that they are not alone, and it’s okay to get help. Encourage them to moderate their behavior. 

Where to Get Help

On-campus resources

Behavioral Health Services at Unified Clinics provides a wide range of treatment and intervention services 
1000 Oakland Drive (East Campus)
(269) 387-7000

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings

Find meetings through Alcoholics Anonymous.

Community resources

Integrated Services of Kalamazoo
615 East Crosstown Parkway - (269) 553-7037
610 S Burdick St - (269) 373-6000

Community Healing Center
2615 Stadium Drive
(269) 343-1651 

Kalamazoo Probation Enhancement Program
519 South Park St.
(269) 383-0450 

Pine Rest - Kalamazoo Clinic
1530 Nichols Road
(866) 852-4001
(800) 678-5500 (24 hours)

Online resources

Education and research
College Drinking-Changing the Culture
American College Health Association
Facts about binge drinking

Substance abuse and addiction
CAGE Screening Test for Alcohol Dependence
SAMHSA