Faculty > When and How to Make a Referral

When and How to Make a Referral

1. Educate Yourself About Local ResourcesThe first step in SPEAKING UP to a friend about their alcohol use is to educate yourself about alcohol dependency and identify campus and local resources that are available to assist you and the person you are concerned about. You should also explore your own feelings and attitudes toward people with an addiction. What are your motives? Are you wanting to preach, punish or criticize? The goal is to prepare yourself before you attempt to address this issue with the person who is abusing alcohol. There are a number of campus and community resources available:

Campus Resources:
	Cook Counseling Center ...............................	231-6557
	Psychological Services Center ......................	231-6914
Community Resources:
	Alcoholics Anonymous ..................................	1-540-343-6857
	NRV Community Services ............................	961-8400
	RAFT Crisis Hotline .....................................	961-8400

2. Educate Yourself About Alcohol DependencyThere are a number of warning signs of a potential drinking problem. While there is no single sign identifies a problem drinker, a pattern of behaviors can indicate a problem:

Warning Sign	(Adapted from the McKinley Health Center web site, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)
Loss of Control	Attempts to cut down or control drinking fail. Repeated promises to "be more careful" or to "cut down on drinking." Gets drunk when intending to stay sober.
Black Outs	Unable to recall all or part of a drinking episode. Doesn't remember what was said or done when drunk (blacking out is different than passing out).
Increased Tolerance	Needs more alcohol than before to get the same effects. For anyone, tolerance increases with regular drinking, but being able to out drink others is an early sign of problem drinking.
Drinking Causes Problems	Continues drinking even though it causes academic, legal, health, financial, or relationship problems.
Personality Changes When Drinking	A normally nice person, becomes mean or abusive when drinking.
Neglects Responsibilities	Absent or late for classes, meetings, appointments, or work due to hangovers or intoxication.
Preoccupation with Drinking	Frequently thinks about drinking. Availability and consumption of alcohol becomes the sole focus of social activities. Gives up activities which don't involve drinking. Avoids socializing with friends who don't drink.
Pre-Partying	Drinks alcohol before going to a party where alcohol will be served. Also, "gulps" drinks to get drunk as quickly as possible. May also sneak drinks so others don't know how much he/she is really drinking.
Denial and Minimizing	Claims not to drink excessively, despite evidence to the contrary. Minimizes the amount of drinking ("I only had a couple of drinks"). Avoids talking about his/her own drinking. Justifies drinking and tries to characterize it as normal, despite problems.
Gradual Deterioration in Personal Appearance and Hygiene
Gradual Development of Dysfunction	Especially in school work or job performance.
Susceptible to Accidents, Injuries, or Illnesses	More likely to be hurt in falls, in fights, or by "bumping" into things.
Drinking to Feel Normal	Drinks to cope, to escape from problems, to solve a problem, or to feel like everyone else.
Drinking to Start the Day	Drinks in the morning to control tremors or shakes after drinking the night before.

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3. Document Behaviors Prepare in advance a list of specific problems that have occurred because of this person's drinking. Include specific times, places, and behaviors. Among possible warning signs that faculty may notice include:

a drop in academic performance;
skipping class frequently or staying out of classroom discussions;
being consistently late in handing in assignments;
ignoring or excusing behavior associated with alcohol problems, and insisting that there is no problem; and
making light of problems. For example, using humor, to treat the problem as temporary or of no significance.

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4. Choose an Opportunity Choose a location and time where you can talk in private without embarrassment or interruptions. Remember, you can't talk to an intoxicated person. Explore whether you are the only or best person to approach this individual.

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5. Share your Concern (Adapted from the McKinley Health Center web site, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)
"Shaming" a person for their use and using behavior is counter productive, creates barriers to change, and greatly complicates the change process once begun. Heavy users may already feel enormous shame as it is - adding to this shame is not only cruel, but may spur greater use. People with alcohol problems often medicate shame, fear, anger and pain. A simple model for talking to a student about a sensitive topic consists of the following elements:

Element	Description	Example
I CARE	I care describe relationship feelings.	"Jerry, I care about you. I've gotten to know you a lot this semester and our friendship means a lot to me."
I SEE	I see specific, observable behaviors.	"Last night, I saw you yell at your best friend, get sick from drinking, and insist on driving back to campus."
I FEEL	I feel how these behaviors affect you.	"I felt worried because this is different than how you usually act."
LISTEN	It is important to give the person a chance to speak or ask questions and for you to show that you are concerned and willing to listen. If he/she gets angry or provokes you, remind yourself to remain calm and focused on your task. Remain factual and nonjudgmental.
I WANT	I want it may be necessary to set some limits or firm resolution.	"I want you to talk with someone about how you've been acting when you drink alcohol."
I WILL	I will indicate your support, what you are willing to do to help.	"I really care about you, and I will help you find someone who can help you."

The goal is to try to get the person to agree to some form of positive action. Encourage a referral to a professional when needed. Be optimistic, yet realistic (CAREfrontations do not always work). Always be open to further involvement — never close the door.You should also review the section on communication skills.

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5. Follow Through
Check up to see how they are doing. Have they made any significant behavioral changes? Encourage them to continue to make efforts to reduce their alcohol consumption.

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