VCU Alcohol and Other Drugs Resources and FAQs
We want our community to have the information they need to make the safest and healthiest choices regarding alcohol or other drug use. However, even if you make the choice not to use alcohol or other drugs, there is a chance that you might be impacted by the substance use of a friend, classmate or family member. Need more info? Review the Health Risks of Alcohol and Other Drugs.
For Students
RecWell Health Promotion | 804-828-9355
Provides several positive, inclusive, and empowering educational programs for students and faculty
- Free online self-assessment with immediate, anonymous feedback on the website
- Free brief alcohol screening and intervention for college students (BASICS) and Cannabis Screening and Intervention for College Students (CASICS), which include the online assessment followed by a 30-minute individual motivational enhancement session with a health educator or a clinician from University Counseling Services.
- Group education sessions available by calling or by submitting a request online: Request a Program
Rams in Recovery | 804-366-8027
Peer-driven recovery support for students in recovery, referral to resources for students. Supports include study space, recovery meetings, peer monitoring, events and activities.
- Offers group meetings and individual recovery coaching to support those in recovery
- Provides curated resources within the local community
Community groups based on non-professional mutual support offer individual sponsorship, group meetings, and membership to anyone interested in dealing with substance use issues. Several 12-step groups meet on campus. See curated resources above for more information.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) | aarichmond.org
AlAnon Family Groups | alanonrichmondva.org
Narcotics Anonymous | usrecovery.info
SMART Recovery | smartrecovery.org
Refuge Recovery | refugerecovery.org
Families Anonymous | familiesanonymous.org
Nar-Anon Family Group | nar-anon.org
Student Disability Accommodations
To ensure access to its programs and services, VCU provides academic and other reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities, including disabilities related to substance use. For more information about services, required medical documentation, and to register with the office on your academic campus, contact the appropriate office below.
- Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (Monroe Park Campus), 804-828-2253
- Division for Academic Success (MCV Campus), 804-828-9782
University Counseling Services | 804-828-6200 (Monroe Park; available for crisis services day and night); 804-828-3964 (MCV Campus)
- Provides individual and group therapy for students with substance use disorders or students looking to change their substance use patterns.
- Consultation is available for other members of the university community and family who are concerned about a student.
- Collaborates with The Well to administer BASICS and CASICS.
University Student Health Services | 804-828-8828 (Monroe Park Campus); 804-828-9220 (MCV Campus)
Assessment education and referral information for students regarding the health effects of substance use and misuse.
For Staff/Faculty
Employee Assistance Program (or other health care provider)
Refer to the Employee Assistance Program on the Department of Human Resource Management website for links to options provided through state employee health care plans. If not covered by the state employee health benefits program, please contact your personal health care company for EAP options.
Employee Health Services | 804-828-0584
Resource and referral to employee assistance providers and community resources. Refer to the Employee health page on the VCU HR website for more information.
Human Resources Employee Relations Office | 804-828-1510
Resource and referral information. Reach them by phone or by email: emprel@vcu.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
The employer-sponsored health plans at VCU include an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for covered employees and their families. An EAP is a confidential information, support, and referral service offering tools and resources designed to help maximize productivity and meet the challenges of modern life.
The EAP offers up to four visits at no cost to you or members of your household for counseling in such areas as mental health, issues with substance use, work and family issues, and financial or legal matters. Additional visits may be covered by co-pays.
In general, care must be authorized in advance. You or your eligible dependent will speak confidentially to an EAP specialist who will assess you and coordinate assistance. Should you require mental health or substance abuse care, an EAP specialist will refer you to a provider under your mental health and substance abuse benefit. Your EAP specialist or care manager will arrange a referral according to your specific needs. Contact your plan's Member Services department for more information.
The Employee Assistance Program on the DHRM website has additional information on the specific plans and services provided.
An employee without employer-sponsored health care may contact a Human Resource Employee Relations specialist for confidential assistance or directly contact your personal insurance provider using the mental health services number on the back of your insurance card.
Review the Student Resources above to explore the most up-to-date resources and support available for students.
VCU Rams in Recovery has resources to help you support family and friends struggling with substance use issues. You can learn more by visiting recovery.vcu.edu or emailing recovery@vcu.edu.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has many resources about alcohol use and how to seek help on their website at niaaa.nih.gov.
For Employees: Explore treatment options with confidential help from a Human Resource Employee Relations specialist or referral to appropriate resources (e.g., EAP) or to the university’s Employee Health Services physician. An employee or their family member may directly contact the EAP if eligible. You can also contact your insurance provider directly using the mental health services number on the back of your insurance card.
An allowable expense for alcohol must have a clear business purpose for the function that supports the university’s mission. See: Know What You Can and Cannot Buy
Download and complete the Alcohol Authorization Agreement Form. To receive the required alcohol authorization form and for any questions, please email uscaevent@vcu.edu.
Biennial Review
If you are interested in learning more about how VCU works to provide AOD education and other resources to students, review the 2022 Biennial Review created by the Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Committee.