logo in blue that spells out the word basics

BASICS is designed to help you explore your alcohol and drug use in a supportive and non-shaming environment. BASICS sessions take place both individually and in groups.

BASICS is not an abstinence only program and you will not automatically be told to stop using substances. In BASICS you will get information invited into a discussion about what is right for you so you can get support in considering what is working or how to make changes.


Some topics covered in BASICS sessions include:

  • Personalized blood alcohol content (BAC) information
  • Brain functioning
  • Sleep
  • Nutrition
  • Social norms and patterns

Who goes to BASICS?

The BASICS program is appropriate for anyone who wants to have a conversation about their use or nonuse of substances. Any UVM student is welcome to participate in BASICS at no cost. Some students are required to attend as part of an athletic team or fraternity and sorority life chapter. Other students attend as a result of a conduct violation.

Confidentiality

When you participate in BASICS everything you say and the survey you take are confidential. Information about your team or FSL chapter is also confidential and BASICS adheres to the confidentiality standards of the Center for Health & Wellbeing.

BASICS may use anonymous data to track change or understand patterns but no identifiable information will ever be shared.

Individual BASICS

Students first take an online survey about their substance use and then sign up for a 60-minute session with a BASICS provider to receive their personalized survey feedback.

Group BASICS

Team BASICS
All UVM varsity athletics teams are required to participate in the BASICS program. Team BASICS discusses alcohol and substance use with an intentional focus on team dynamics and norms. Each team member takes a survey about their substance use and then the BASICS coordinators meet with the entire team together as a group to participate in a 90-minute program.


BASICS for Fraternity & Sorority Life
All new members joining a UVM sorority or fraternity are required to participate in the BASICS program. BASICS for FSL discusses alcohol and substance use with an intentional focus on chapter culture and norms. Each new member takes a survey about their substance use and then the BASICS coordinators meet with all new members together as a group to participate in a 90-minute program.

History and Success

BASICS has been implemented on almost 1000 campuses since 1992 and is based on research conducted at the University of Washington and Western Washington University. UVM has used BASICS since 2013 to engage in productive conversations about alcohol and other substance use. The successes of the program include:

  • Many students have reduced their use (as reported in a 3 months follow up).12 months after participating in BASICS those reductions remain
  • Almost all students report having a positive experience with BASICS
  • Students score BASICS a 9.2/10 when asked if they felt respected during their sessions.

Get your BAC info here

Contact

Tom Fontana, LCMHC, LADC
Drug and Alcohol Initiatives Manager
tom.fontana@uvm.edu

“[BASICS] was helpful and had some cool information. Nothing to be scared about. Completely cool procedure and helpful for learning techniques and making smarter decisions.”

“I cut down both my alcohol and marijuana consumption. I also stopped smoking before going to bed.”