Loyola University Chicago

Safety Net Coalition

Alcohol Resources

Alcohol is an addictive substance, and different factors such as stress, genetics, and drinking patterns can increase the risk that someone to develop a substance use disorder. Loyola Chicago and the surrounding community offers mental health and recovery resources for students who are concerned about their drinking or are in recovery from alcohol dependence. If you are in need of resources, please reach out as alcohol and other drug dependence can have a severe impact on your health, well being; and as a student, your goals and academics. Please see below for resources and a guide on how to recognize signs of alcohol dependence in yourself or a friend/loved one. 

 

For students concerned about their alcohol use:

If you feel like your drinking may have gotten out of your control or is impacting your priorities, please ask for help. The Wellness Center offers traditional therapy for students, as well as Basics, which is a confidential meeting that specifically focuses on alcohol use. If you are not sure which option would be the best fit for you, please call the Wellness Center at 773-508-2530. 

The Wellness Center also offers an anonymous online self-assessment that students can take anytime (it takes 8-10 minutes) to assess their own alcohol use and get some information on risks and ways to cut back. Please see Echeckup to Go to take the quick assessment. If you would like to discuss the results this with a staff person, please email Callie Powers, Alcohol and Other Drug Educator, at cpowers1@luc.edu. 

If the therapist or facilitator determines that you would benefit from brief substance abuse treatment or a formal assessment at  Chicago area alcohol treatment center, they will discuss that with you and make sure it is a good fit, but it is ultimately your choice whether to utilize that resource. 

The Samhsa helpline is a free, confidential 24 hr resource for those concerned about their substance use and who would like a referrals. 

 

 

For students in recovery:

If you are in recovery from a substance use disorder, the Wellness Center is here to support you in your recovery and help direct you to resources to help you with your physical and mental wellness. Therapy may be a good option for students who want to address different factors that may be affecting their substance use and mental health. For students in active recovery, there are Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in the surrounding community of both campuses that students can attend. Please see Chicago Alcoholics Anonymous for more information on meeting locations and times. 

 

Signs that someone may be struggling with alcohol use:

If you are worried that a loved one may be abusing alcohol, there are some signs you can look for. However, all of these signs may not be present as some people are better at hiding their dependence. If you are concerned about someone, go with your gut and reach out. 

Signs of addiction: 

  • Making excuses
  • Red eyes
  • Slipping grades or missing work 
  • Irritability or mood swings
  • Drinking alone or in secret
  • Becoming distant from friends and family 
  • Short term memory loss or blackouts

Source: Alcohol Rehab Guide

How to Help: If you are concerned about a friend or family member, you can try to talk with them about your concerns. Remember that sometimes people can be defensive because they may be in denial about how bad their use has gotten or don't see the negative effects. Using "I" statements (like I care about you, I have noticed) instead of you statements (you are making mistakes), can help keep the conversation focused on your care for the individual. If they are a LUC student, encourage them to reach out the Wellness Center for help, we can set up a meeting with a therapist or Health Educator, or refer them to a brief treatment program. If your friend or family member would like referrals to treatment, you can also call SAMHSA's National Helpline, a 24 hour a day confidential resource.