The Counseling Center provides evaluation and assistance in the prevention and short-term treatment of alcohol, tobacco, and substance abuse. Resources utilized include an in-depth alcohol and substance use evaluation, reading material, an interactive computer program, an online alcohol education course and appropriate referrals using on-campus resources or off-campus for long-term inpatient and/or outpatient treatment. These strategies are aimed at reducing a student’s risk for developing serious problems associated with the abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances.
Students who violate the college’s alcohol policies may be referred for a Mandated Alcohol Assessment. The assessment includes two appointments, an evaluation session and an education session.
On Campus Resources
The Citadel Counseling Center
Short-term counseling is available at the Counseling Center for students whose assessment appears to place them at moderate risk for current/future substance related problems.
CADIC – Campus Alcohol and Drug Information Center
The CADIC provides students with fact-based information in order to make responsible choices regarding alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.
Information and Education
Students who would like additional information, including online and app based resources, about alcohol, tobacco, and other substances are encouraged to visit the following section of the Counseling Center’s website – Resources – Other Resources.
Off Campus Referrals
Referrals will be provided for students whose assessment appears to place them at greater risk for current/future substance related problems or whose concerns are beyond the scope of the short-term services offered by The Citadel Counseling Center. Students may be offered off campus referrals for long-term counseling, inpatient treatment, or support groups like AA or NA. Students will also be offered off campus referrals for court-mandated education or counseling.
AA Meetings: Days, Times, and Locations
AA meetings are available in the local community. Students are encouraged to call the Counseling Center (843-953-6799) or the CADIC (843-953-0510) for dates and times. Attendance at AA meetings is confidential. Cadets who need a medical pass or special orders to attend AA meetings should contact the Counseling Center or CADIC for assistance.
Learn More about Alcohol Use
Drinking: What’s “Normal” and What’s Not
It’s normal not to drink. Contrary to popular belief, not all students drink. It’s also normal to drink moderately at some times and not drink at all at other times. When you drink, it’s normal to know your limits and take steps to stay within them.
Ever “forget” what you did while drinking? Such blackouts aren’t normal and they are dangerous. Alcohol in the brain causes information to be processed very crudely. It may not be stored in long term memory. So a person may have “gaps” when trying to remember what happened ” the night before.” Blackouts put a person at greater risk of alcohol-related injuries or death, unsafe sex, unplanned pregnancy, violence, acquaintance rape and legal troubles.
If you choose to drink, have a plan. Make decisions about your limit before you start drinking. It’s tough to know when to stop if your judgment is impaired. Eat before you drink and eat while you’re drinking to slow down alcohol absorption into the bloodstream. Space and pace your drinks. Alternate alcohol and non-alcohol drinks (your liver can only handle about one drink per hour — the rest builds up in your bloodstream.) Avoid drinking games — the purpose is to get you drunk fast. You can easily exceed your limit.
Don’t drink if you really don’t want to (learn ways to refuse drinks), if you are upset, anxious, or angry, if you’re taking certain medications, or if you are driving.
Watch for these signs of unhealthy drinking:
- Have you had trouble remembering things that happened while you were drinking?
- Have you ever done things while drinking that you wouldn’t do otherwise?
- Do you frequently suffer from signs of a hangover — a dry “cotton mouth,” fatigue, upset stomach, headaches, and sore muscles?
- Do you frequently vomit after drinking?
- Have you ever passed out while drinking?
- Is drinking interfering with your grades?
- Is your drinking causing problems with a partner, friends or family?
- Do you spend a lot of money on alcohol?
- Are you drinking more to get the same effect?
- Have you ever had withdrawal symptoms (felt sick when you weren’t drinking, and felt better once you had a drink?)
- Have you injured yourself while drinking?