BASICS (Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students) and CASICS (Cannabis Screening and Intervention for College Students) are evidence-based, two-session harm and reduction programs that strive to help students succeed personally and academically. We want to make sure that students have a terrific experience at the University of Texas and the other 13 academic and health institutions (UT System affiliates).
Our BASICS program is student-centric and focuses on assisting students with making informed choices about alcohol to ensure they have personal and academic success. The program is an opportunity for students to examine their drinking behavior in a non-judgmental and non-confrontational environment. We use the term harm reduction to differentiate this program from abstinence-only programs that may neglect reasons why an individual chooses to drink. Hence, the focus of the harm reduction approach is to reduce negative consequences rather than merely telling individuals to avoid drinking altogether. The student is encouraged to take the lead on developing strategies to reduce alcohol-related consequences. Both sessions are designed to last approximately 50 minutes each to allow facilitators time to prepare for their next scheduled session.
Facilitators are trained in the following research-based techniques: MI Spirit, MI Strategies (OARS), and Change Talk. Confidentiality is reviewed with the students as well.
BASICS was originally developed at the University of Washington in order to reduce alcohol consumption and related problems for college students. Since its inception, BASICS has been adopted at universities throughout the country and has shown consistent results: decreases in the mean number of drinks when partying, reduction in the peak number of drinks per occasion, lower typical and peak BAC, and fewer negative consequences. BASICS has peer-reviewed evidence to support its efficacy in the college population.
How the Program Works
Session 1 is in a small group (up to 5 members) as participants discuss their personal beliefs about alcohol as well as information about alcohol and its effects. They will also discuss both the positive aspects (e.g., hopes) they expect to get out of drinking and the negative aspects (e.g., regrets) that they feel comfortable sharing. Other important topics in this session include the definition of a standard drink, signs of drunkenness, and the Amnesty for Alcohol Emergencies Policy. At the end of session 1, students complete a brief online survey that asks questions about drinking behaviors, perceptions of alcohol use on campus and strategies they currently use to reduce risk of alcohol-related harm and any negative effects of their alcohol use. Participants will also receive a drink tracker card to record the number of drinks over a two-week period and will schedule their individual session two weeks after session 1. Overall, the purpose of session 1 is to introduce the student to the program, provide information, and build rapport with the student(s).
Session 2 is a one-on-one in which the student receives a printed copy of the feedback report and goes over this report together with the facilitator. Students learn how their drinking compares with other students on campus and collaborate with the facilitator to examine the student’s current relationship with alcohol and the role that the student would like alcohol to play in his or her future. This can include discussing protective strategies that the student feels would be useful for reducing alcohol-related consequences. Session 2 gives the student an opportunity to examine drinking behavior and identify harm reduction strategies.
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