Overview: College life can be stressful and students sometimes use drugs and alcohol to cope. In addition, alcohol is a central aspect of the college social scene and binge drinking has increased at significant rates. Prescription drug use and marijuana use are also increasing at alarming rates and the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse reports that almost 2 million college students meet the medical criteria for substance abuse and dependence. This presentation will focus on college students' use and abuse of alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugs such as Adderall and OxyContin. Participants will learn the effects and side effects of the different substances and the reasons why students use and like them. Risks of use and negative consequences will be examined and relevant treatment and mental health resources will be explored. Participants will also learn when and how to make appropriate referrals to counseling, accessibility services, and student conduct. Prevention and education strategies will also be reviewed.Why should you attend: Students who use and abuse alcohol and other substances are at risk for academic, social, and personal problems, including death, injury, arrest, and sexual assault. Areas Covered in the Session:Different classes of psychoactive substances with a focus on alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugsPrevalence of substance use and abuseDemographics and motivations of college students who use and abuse substancesDevelopmental issuesSigns of a drug or alcohol problemRisks and negative consequences of substance useRelevant mental health resourcesPrevention and education strategiesWhen and how to make appropriate referrals to counseling, accessibility services, and student conductWho Will Benefit:CounselorsHealth Center StaffDisabilities/Accessibility Services StaffResidence Life and Student Life StaffCollege FacultyCollege Staff and AdministratorsAdvisorsRetention Specialists, At-Risk Population SpecialistsFirst Year Experience/New Student Orientation CoordinatorsProfessional Development CoordinatorsVeteran ServicesBehavioral Intervention TeamHuman Resources