UMass Recovery
Who is UMass Recovery for?
- Students questioning their substance use who would like to talk with non-judgmental people.
- Students new to recovery who are looking for more information about anonymous recovery programs.
- Students new to the area who are interested in anonymous recovery meetings and fellowship.
- Students already in the fellowship of an anonymous recovery group who woud like to share their experience, strength, and hope with others.
- Anyone with questions about substance use, recovery, and resources.
What’s in it for me?
- A mentoring system for students new to recovery and/or UMass.
- A support network for students in recovery.
- An anonymous space to talk about substance use concerns, feelings, thoughts, and ideas on improving the college experience for others in recovery.
- Greater awareness of campus and community resources.
Find out more
- NARCAN can be picked up at 155 Worcester Dining Common during UMass Recovery events, or in the basement of the Campus Center at all other times.
Call (413) 577-5188. All calls, conversations, and inquiries are confidential.
Concerned about your own drinking?
Take the "Drinker's Check-Up" survey to get feedback about your drinking.
Get Support
UMass provides a range of safe and confidential resources to support individuals and their loved ones on their recovery journey.
Academic semester hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
BASICS helps you explore your alcohol and drug use in a non-judgmental environment. The program’s goal is to reduce risky behavior and the harmful consequences of alcohol abuse.
Phone: (413) 577-5071
E-mail: @email
BASICS is located on the third floor of UHS, in Room 348.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is BASICS for?
BASICS is a “drinker’s checkup” that helps you examine your use, identify changes that could work for you and reduce your risk of future problems. It’s not therapy or substance abuse treatment.
Any student who's concerned about their alcohol or other drug use can choose to attend BASICS. Students who violate UMass Amherst’s alcohol and drug policies, those who are medically transported, held in protective custody or are court-sanctioned are required to attend BASICS.
What happens in BASICS?
In BASICS, you'll complete an online assessment, creating a personalized profile of your use. Prevention specialists will talk with you about these results, helping you identify consequences of your choices and explore ways to reduce risks.
How long is BASICS?
BASICS has three levels. The level you attend depends on the number of times you've been mandated or referred to the program. BASICS 1 and 2 consist of two 50-minute sessions with a prevention specialist; BASICS 3 involves three sessions. All are scheduled about two weeks apart.
How do I make an appointment?
If you’re mandated to attend BASICS, you'll receive an e-mail with instructions on scheduling your appointment online. If you want to take part on your own, or need assistance scheduling your appointment, call (413) 577-5071, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Is there a cost?
That depends on why you’re using BASICS. If you’re coming in on your own, or are referred by a medical or mental health provider, the program is free. Mandated students attending BASICS 1 pay a $100 fee; the fee for BASICS 2 is $175; the fee for BASICS 3 is $175.
If you miss your appointment or reschedule your appointment with less than 24 hours advance notice, you'll be assessed a $10 no-show fee.
BASICS accepts cash, UCard, checks and Visa / Mastercard credit and debit cards.
Will anyone know I've used BASICS?
Your work online and with the prevention specialists is private.
Where did BASICS come from?
UMass Amherst’s BASICS program is based on research conducted at the University of Washington and was launched using a three-year grant through the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Required Online Course for all New Students
Welcome to UMass Amherst! As part of the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s commitment to the well-being of our individual students and the larger UMass Amherst community, all incoming undergraduate students, including all transfer students, are required to complete AlcoholEdu regardless of age.
AlcoholEdu is an interactive, 2 part, online alcohol and other drug education program that will provide you with tools and information to choose behaviors to help successfully navigate the social pressures of the campus environment and achieve academic success.
Access to part 1 of the course begins on Friday, July 26, 2024. Part 1 takes about 90 minutes and must be completed by Friday, August 23, 2024. Students must receive at least a 70% on the post-test to be counted as completed. Access to the course will be through the New Student Orientation & Transitions Moodle class. Students who do not complete the course by August 31st will have a registration hold placed on their SPIRE accounts and will be unable to register for spring 2025 classes until this requirement is met.
If you have any questions, check out the FAQs or email the Center for Health Promotion at @email. For technical assistance, click the “technical help” button in the module.
Now available as a resource for all students, faculty and staff
AlcoholEdu is an interactive online alcohol and other drug education program that is now available to the entire UMass community!
This course provides students with tools and information to assist them in choosing behaviors to help successfully navigate the social pressures of the campus environment and achieve academic success.
To view this engaging program:
- Click here
- Click the orange UMass Amherst button to login.
If you have questions, check out the FAQs or email the Center for Health Promotion at @email. For technical assistance, click the “technical help” button in the module.
For Parents and Caregivers
AlcoholEdu offers information, tips and tools for parents and caregivers.
www.everfi.com/higheredparents
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of AlcoholEdu?
A: AlcoholEdu is designed to assist students in making healthy decisions regarding alcohol and other drug use in college. It includes information on college alcohol use statistics, alcohol’s effects on learning and memory, how to recognize and respond to an alcohol or other drug use emergency, UMass Amherst policies and expectations, and how to find alcohol and other drug-related services on campus.
Q: How do I access the AlcoholEdu course?
A: Detailed information on how to access and complete the course will be emailed to all new students. You will have access to the AlcoholEdu link through the New Student Orientation & Transitions Moodle class. You will need access to a computer, iPad or tablet with access to the internet and audio capabilities. Should you not have access to one and are unable to use a friend or family members and are unable to visit a local library, please email us at CHP@umass.edu and schedule a time to use one of our computers.
Q: How long will this take?
A: AlcoholEdu is a 2 part course. Part 1 will take about 90 minutes to complete. You do not need to complete the course in one sitting. You may take a break and come back to it. Part 2 will be available 30 days after you complete Part 1 and will take about 30 minutes to complete.
Q: Do I really have to do this? What if I already completed this or something similar at a different school?
A: All new incoming undergraduate students and transfer students, regardless of age, are required to complete AlcoholEdu. If you do not complete Part 1 by August 23rd, you will not be able to register for spring 2025 classes until you complete the course and pass the post-test with at least a 70%. If you already completed a similar program at another school, you will still need to complete this version of AlcoholEdu as this program contains resources and information specific to UMass Amherst.
Q: What do I do if I have a registration hold?
A: If you have a registration hold, please complete the required training as soon as possible and send an email to @email
Q: Will my answers be private?
A: The AlcoholEdu course will include surveys about your personal health behaviors to help personalize your experience and measure students’ alcohol and other drug-related attitudes and behaviors. All survey responses are confidential; UMass Amherst will only receive information about the student body as a whole and will never see individual student answers. However, if you prefer not to answer some questions on the anonymous survey, you can choose to leave them blank and that will not impact your completed status for the overall module.
Q: I don’t drink or use other drugs. Do I still need to take this course?
A: Yes, all new incoming students including transfer students, regardless of age or substance are required to complete this course. This course includes surveys to help provide personalized paths through the curriculum so if you don’t use substance use you will receive support and specific information tailored to your choices. Students who choose not to use substances may still be impacted by the alcohol and other drug use of others in the college environment. AlcoholEdu will provide these students with important information regarding coping with potential drinking behavior of their peers.
If you have a technical issue, use the “help” button to access AlcoholEdu directly, 24 hours a day.
College alcohol and other drug use is a serious problem that affects virtually every aspect of campus life.
Classes, residence halls, and off-campus living, work, school events and informal socializing all can be overwhelming to people in recovery and those struggling with addictions.
Collegiate Recovery Communities (CRCs) provide a nurturing, affirming environment within the university setting, helping people achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals.
In a CRC, all members of the community in recovery are supported and valued, reducing stigma associated with addiction and recovery, and increasing support systems to create a recovery-friendly campus.
Find out more by calling Diane at the UMass Amherst CRC, (413) 577-5188.
Based in the Center for Health Promotion, UMass Amherst’s CRC offers an array of services including:
- Peer support
- Substance-free options
- Referrals to meetings and support services
- Creative outlets for growth, change and healing
- Complementary health services
- Career planning assistance
What do you need?
- Materials to help educate campus audiences about alcohol and other drugs?
- Want to schedule a training or presentation for your class, RSO, residence hall or other group?
- Trying to find a guest lecturer for a class or community group?
- Need to make a referral for substance abuse treatment or counseling and don’t know where to turn?
- Want to learn more about substance use and prevention efforts?
- Ever thought about getting involved in prevention, recovery or education programs?
Contact us at 413-545-0022 to discuss options!
Some of what we've been doing lately...
- New Students Orientation and associated programs for parents
- Trainings for New Students Orientation program counselors
- Educating students and families about AlcoholEdu, the online health education course mandatory for all first-year students
- Sharing information about sexual health, violence prevention, alcohol and other drug abuse prevention, and more through performances by the Not Ready for Bedtime Players
Partnerships
Research shows environmental changes reduce high-risk drinking, but achieving change requires collaboration.
One of the Center for Health Promotion's key partnerships is with the Campus and Community Coalition to Reduce High-Risk Drinking (CCC). University and community leaders, with support from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, came together to form the CCC in 2004.
The CCC is a diverse group focusing on reviewing campus policy and community laws; increasing consistency of enforcement; limiting alcohol availability; expanding alcohol-free options; creating a health-promoting campus environment; and restricting student-targeted alcohol marketing on- and off-campus.
Minutes Matter: UMass Amherst Medical Amnesty Policy
UMass Amherst seeks to be a caring community committed to maintaining the health and safety of everyone. Severe intoxication or serious injuries after alcohol or drug consumption are potentially life-threatening emergencies. Although you may be reluctant to report these situations, obtaining medical help is imperative. If you seek help for someone under the influence of alcohol or other drugs who needs medical attention, neither you nor that person will be charged with a UMass Code of Student Conduct violation. If that person is a UMass student, they will be required to attend BASICS.
Always call 911 for help if someone:
- Passes out and cannot be awakened.
- Vomits while passed out.
- Stops breathing.
- Has a seizure.
Parameters:
- Action by the police or other law enforcement personnel is not covered under this policy.
- This policy does not preclude student conduct actions regarding other violations.
- Serious or repeated incidents will prompt a higher degree of health concern and response and may trigger a review under the Student Conduct process.
Additional Resources:
Student Legal Services
413-545-1995
Campus Center 922
University Health Services
413-577-5000
150 Infirmary Way
Off Campus Student Life
413-577-1005
103 Bartlett
Dean of Students Office
413-545-2684
Whitmore 227
University of Massachusetts Police Department
Emergency: Dial 911
Non-Emergency: 413-545-2121
The Center for Women and Community
(formerly Everywoman's Center)
Main number: 413-545-0883
24/7 Sexual Assault Support and Advocacy (SASA) Services: 413-545-0800
TTY: 413-577-0940
180 Infirmary Way, New Africa House
@email
Know the Facts
It is important to know and understand Massachusetts laws and university policies about alcohol and its use. Violations are subject to sanctions according to the UMass Code of Student Conduct.
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21+
You may possess and use alcohol only if you are 21 or older. Buying or supplying alcohol to anyone under 21 is illegal.
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Under 21
You cannot transport, possess, or receive alcoholic beverages. If you are driving a car and under 21, no passenger may be in possession of alcoholic beverages.
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Never while intoxicated
You may not drive under the influence of alcohol. It is illegal for anyone to serve you alcohol if you are intoxicated.
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Be responsible
Students who look out for one another make better decisions. Be a party smart host or guest.
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You are part of the UMass community
The UMass Alcohol Beverage policy applies to all UMass or Five College students, faculty, staff, alumni, visitors or guests of the university.
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Take care of others
Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately!
The Medical Amnesty Policy prevents you and your friend from being charged with a UMass Code of Student Conduct violation if you seek help in an alcohol-related emergency.
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Only where allowed OFF campus
Open containers are not permitted in public in Town of Amherst.
UMass Amherst Alcoholic Beverage Policy applies in or on all UMass owned or occupied property AND applies to non-UMass property owned or used by fraternities or registered student groups.
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Only where allowed ON campus
Not permitted in buildings or public spaces or unlicensed events.
Not permitted at outdoor events without approval.
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21+ in Residence Halls
To possess or consume alcohol, resident MUST be of legal drinking age AND living in a hall or floor where alcohol is permitted. Open containers not allowed in common areas.
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Have fun without alcohol
Find fun things to do on campus and around the area:
• UMass Events Calendar • Campus Pulse Calendar • Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce Events • Fine Arts Center performance schedule • Hampshire County sites and events • Pioneer Valley events • Entertainment and nightlife in Northampton • Outdoor activities and fun -
Know your support resources
There are many campus and off campus support resources. If you are worried about your drinking or worried about a friend’s drinking you can make a free, confidential appointment with BASICS for a drinker's check-up.
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Keep on track to graduation
Drinking negatively affects academic performance. The academic impact of binge drinking can continue up to 8 months after.
Know the Facts
You may not use or possess marijuana, medical marijuana, or marijuana paraphernalia in any form anywhere on University of Massachusetts Amherst property.
- No vaporizers
- No edibles
- No smoking
Keep it off campus
Alcohol and marijuana can negatively influence academic success and personal well-being, and it is important to understand the policies and regulations concerning its use both on and off campus.
Before you consider using recreational marijuana in Massachusetts, it is important to know and understand the facts and policies about its use. Similar to alcohol and other drugs, there are federal laws; Massachusetts laws; and university policies regarding marijuana and its use.
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You are part of the UMass community
Federal laws prohibit the use, possession, and/or cultivation of marijuana at educational institutions. This applies to ALL UMass Amherst or Five College students, faculty, staff, alumni, visitors, or guests of the university.
21 U.S. Code §811
21 U.S. Code §812 -
Not in public
It is against the law to use marijuana in public. This includes public transportation, parks, schools, sidewalks, and more.
M.G.L. 94G §13 -
Under 21
You may not possess, use, purchase, obtain, cultivate, process, manufacture, deliver, or sell or otherwise transfer marijuana or marijuana accessories.
M.G.L. 94G §7 and §8 -
Keep on track to graduation
Marijuana negatively affects academic performance. The academic impact of using marijuana includes lower GPA and delayed graduation. If drug testing is required, marijuana use can cause you to lose scholarships, jobs, or internships.
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Know your resources
There are many campus and off campus support resources. If you are worried about your marijuana use or a friend’s marijuana use you can make a free, confidential appointment with BASICS.
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Be responsible
Students who look out for one another make better decisions. Be a party smart host or guest.
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Take care of others
Drug overdose or alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately! The Medical Amnesty Policy prevents you and your friend from being charged with a Code of Conduct violation if you seek help in an alcohol or drug related emergency.
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Must be over 21
You may possess and use marijuana and marijuana accessories only if you are 21 or older (and not on the UMass Amherst campus). Buying or supplying marijuana or marijuana accessories to anyone under 21 is illegal.
M.G.L. 94G §7 and §8 -
Legal purchases/sales only
If you are not a Massachusetts licensed retailer, it is illegal to sell or distribute marijuana.
If you are over 21, you may only purchase marijuana or marijuana concentrates from a Massachusetts licensed retailer.
M.G.L. 94G §9
M.G.L. 94C §32c -
Small quantity only
You may not possess, use, purchase, process, or manufacture more than one ounce (28 grams) of marijuana or more than five grams of marijuana concentrate.
M.G.L. 94G §7 -
Private residences only
You can use marijuana at your private residence or on private property if the landlord or property owner allows it. Check your lease!
M.G.L. 94G §13 -
Do not mail or bring out of Massachusetts
Mailing or taking any amount of marijuana from Massachusetts is strictly prohibited and subject to serious penalties.
21 U.S. Code §812 -
Never drive under the influence of marijuana
It is against the law to drive under the influence of marijuana. Open containers or partially consumed packages of marijuana cannot be kept in a motor vehicle, except in the trunk or a locked glove compartment.
M.G.L. 90 §24
M.G.L. 94G §13 -
Have fun without marijuana
Find fun things to do on campus and around the area:
- UMass Events Calendar
- Campus Pulse Calendar
- Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce Events
- Fine Arts Center performance schedule
- Hampshire County sites and events
- Pioneer Valley events
- Entertainment and nightlife in Northampton
- Outdoor activities and fun -
Special Considerations for Non-U.S. Citizens
Immigration law treats all marijuana-related activity as a crime. Possession, use, and/or admission of marijuana use (legal or illegal) by persons who are not U.S. Citizens (e.g. legal permanent residents, international visa holders, undocumented individuals, etc.) can result in harsh immigration consequences such as: revocation of status, deportation, denial of entry into the U.S., and inability to obtain future immigration benefits. Note: all ports of entry into the U.S., including international terminals at airports, are on federal property where immigration laws are strictly enforced.