Substance Misuse Prevention and Support

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.

What is BASICS?

BASICS ( Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students) is a harm reduction program that helps students examine their substance use in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. The goal is to reduce risky behaviors and prevent substance-related harm.

Who It’s For

• Students who violate the UMass Amherst’s alcohol and other drug policies, those who are medically transported, held in protective custody or are court-sanctioned
• Any student who would like to reflect on their substance use

What to Expect:

• Two 45–60-minute sessions with a trained facilitator
• Private and non-confrontational conversations
• Personalized feedback based on your own reported use, goals, and values
• Discussions of facts, norms, risks, and strategies for safer decision-making

Key Features

• Non-judgmental and student-centered
• Focused on harm reduction, not enforcing abstinence
• Based on Motivational Interviewing
• Individual experience that meets the person where they are

Why It Works

• Encourages and supports honest self-reflection
• Uses personalized feedback to increase insight
• Helps students align behavior with personal goals and values

Cost

• BASICS has three levels.  The level you attend and pay for depends on the number of times you have been mandated
• $100 fee for BASICS 1
• $175 fee for BASICS 2 and BASICS 3

• There is no BASICS fee if you are a self-referral or were mandated to attend under the Minutes Matter policy

  **** Payment plans are available. Don’t let the payment keep you from scheduling your sessions. 

How to Get Started

• Already referred to BASICS? You will receive an email with next steps
• Want to self-refer? Call the BASICS office at 413-577-5071

What Do Ambassadors Do?

• Lead trainings for students, faculty, and staff
• Staff outreach events and information tables
• Develop campus health campaigns and help run our social media

Why Join?

• Help support peers impacted by substance misuse (directly or indirectly)
• Fight stigma and promote a supportive campus environment
• Build skills, boost your resume, and make a difference at UMass Amherst!
• Share lifesaving information and supplies on campus (like Narcan and Fentanyl test strips)
• Meet and connect with other students
• Make UMass a truly recovery-friendly university where everyone feels valued

Our Goals

• Show people who use drugs or are in recovery that they are respected, not judged
• Educate the campus community about overdose risks and prevention
• Connect students, faculty, and staff with campus support services
• Prevent and reduce drug-related harm through proven, practical tools

Get Involved

Want to Be a Harm Reduction Ambassador?
Email Diane Fedorchak, Director of Substance Misuse Prevention Strategies: 

@email | 413-577-5188

Want to Host an Overdose Prevention Training for Your Group?
Request a Training Session

Sessions are 45-60 minutes and include Narcan, rescue breathing masks, and Fentanyl test strips for all participants.

The Crisis
In 2024, 80,391people died from drug overdoses in the U.S.  The good news it that this is a 26.9% decrease from 2024 and public health approaches are working.  The bad news is that too many people are still losing their lives to overdose. 

Fentanyl Danger
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid behind the surge in overdose deaths. It’s often mixed—without warning—into heroin, cocaine, counterfeit pills, MDMA, and other street drugs. You can’t see, taste, or smell fentanyl in a drug, so there’s no way to know it’s there.

Narcan (Naloxone) Saves Lives

• Narcan reverses opioid overdoses fast. It’s safe, easy to use, and available as a nasal spray—no medical training needed.
• Quick Action: Works within minutes to restore breathing. A second dose may be needed if there’s no response in 3 minutes.
• Temporary Protection: Narcan lasts 30-90 minutes, but opioids can last longer—always call 911 for further help.
• No risk if no opioids: Narcan only works on opioids, is non-addictive, and has been safely used for decades by first responders.

Important Facts

• Good Samaritan Law: If you call for help during an overdose in Massachusetts, you and the person overdosing are protected from drug possession charges.
• Carrying Narcan can save a life: Having Narcan on hand helps prevent fatal overdoses and shows support for your community.
• Reducing stigma: Access to Narcan supports a caring, recovery-friendly campus and can help reduce negativity around substance use.

Be prepared. Carry Narcan. Stay informed—save a life!

Where to Get Free Narcan on Campus:

• Narcan Distribution Boxes (Naloxboxes) are located in the lobbies of:
  • Residential Service Desks
    • Brett
    • Crabtree
    • Cashin
    • Dickinson
    • Roots Café
    • Prince
    • John Adams
    • Thoreau
  • University Village
  • Center for counseling and Psychological Health (CCHP)
  • University Health Services (UHS)
  • Off Campus Student Center
  • SGA Office
  • The BASICS Office (UHS Room 347)
  • UMass Recovery Events
  • Harm Reduction Ambassador Events
  • Various large campus events

• We are a group of UMass community members in every stage of recovery and exploration 
• Building a strong, proud, connected campus community
• Talking openly about the challenges of addiction in college and celebrating growth and healing 

• Students questioning their substance use who want non‑judgmental conversation 
• Students new to recovery seeking information 
• Students already in 12‑step or other programs who want extra peer support
• Faculty and staff who are in recovery
• Allies, friends, faculty, or staff who want to learn how to help 

• Peer‑to‑peer mentoring for newcomers to recovery and/or to UMass Amherst
• A private space to share concerns and celebrate milestones 
• A support network that understands balancing academics with recovery
• Fun social opportunities and deep peer connection 
• Greater awareness of campus & community resources 

**All UMass recovery events are in Worcester Dining Commons Room 155 (across from grab and go) unless otherwise noted**

• Monday Recovery Lunch | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Worcester DC 155
• All‑Recovery Meeting | Fridays  4 : 30 p.m. | Worcester DC 155
• On‑campus recovery meetings & support groups
• Peer recovery coaching & mentoring
• Group study sessions, movie nights, game nights
• Group outings – hiking, bowling, escape rooms, Six Flags, etc.
• Free Narcan distribution & harm‑reduction education
• Follow us on Instagram @umassrecovery to stay up to date on events! 
   

MEETINGS & EVENTS 

• Monday  Recovery Lunch | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Worcester DC 155
• All‑Recovery Meeting | Fridays  4 : 30 p.m. | Worcester DC 155 

SUNDAY 

• 1:00 p.m. – Randall Group (AA), 335 Longmeadow St, Longmeadow 
• 6:00 p.m. – South Hadley Sunday Women’s (AA), 7 Woodbridge St 
• 7:30 p.m. – Amherst Sunday Step (AA), 14 Boltwood Ave 
   

MONDAY 

• 11:15 a.m. – After the 11th Hour (AA), 867 N Pleasant St, Amherst 
• 7:00 p.m. – Amherst Monday Beginners (AA), 14 Boltwood Ave 
• 7:00 p.m. – Paradise City (AA), 25 Armory St, Northampton 
   

TUESDAY 

• 11:15 a.m. – After the 11th Hour (AA) 867 N Pleasant St, Amherst
• 6:30 p.m. – Primary Purpose (AA), 98 N Maple St, Hadley 
• 7:00 p.m. – Meeting of the Waters (NA), 18 Park St, Belchertown 
• 7:00 p.m. – Staying Sober (AA), 129 Main St, Northampton 
• 7:00 p.m. – Sunderland Security (AA), 91 S Main St, Sunderland 
   

WEDNESDAY 

• 11:15 a.m. – After the 11th Hour (AA) 867 N Pleasant St, Amherst 
• 7:00 p.m. – Hadley Women’s Language of the Heart (AA) 102 Middle St Hadley 
• 7:30 p.m. – Spontaneous Combustion Men’s (AA) 867 N Pleasant St, Amherst 
• 7:30 p.m. – People Recover Stepwork (NA) 129 Main St. Northampton
• 8:30 p.m. – Gathered Leaves (Marijuana Anon.) 25 Armory St, Northampton 
   

THURSDAY 

• 11:15 p.m. – After the 11th Hour (AA) 867 N Pleasant St, Amherst
• 6:00 p.m. – I’m in Recovery (AA), 140 Pine St, Florence 
• 6:30 p.m. – We Recover (NA), 129 Main St, Northampton 
• 7:30 p.m. – Cold Spring (AA), 18 Park St, Belchertown 
   

FRIDAY 

• 11:15 p.m. – After the 11th Hour (AA) 867 N Pleasant St, Amherst 
• 7:00 p.m. – Friday Night Daily Reflections (AA), 48 Elm St, Northampton 
• 7:30 p.m. – Valley LGBTQ (AA), 48 Elm St 
• 8:00 p.m. – Amherst Friday Night (AA), 1066 S East St, Amherst 
   

SATURDAY 

• 5:00 p.m. – Saturday 11th Step (AA), 14 Boltwood Ave, Amherst 
• 7:00 p.m. – Belchertown Saturday Beginners (AA), 18 Park St 
• 7:00 p.m. – Saturday Beginner’s (AA), 129 Main St, Northampton 
• 8:00 p.m. – Amherst Saturday Night (AA), 14 Boltwood Ave, Amherst 
  
   

• Center for Counseling & Psychological Health (CCPH) – (413) 545‑2337 
   
• BASICS – Brief Alcohol Screening & Intervention – (413) 577‑5071 
   
• University Health Services (UHS) – MAT & nicotine replacement – (413) 577‑5000 
   
• Psychological Services Center – (413) 545‑0041 
  
   

• Northampton Recovery Center – northamptonrecoverycenter.org 
   
• Tapestry Health – syringe services, testing, Narcan – tapestryhealth.org/harm‑reduction 
   
• Alcoholics Anonymous – meetings.area31aa.org/meetings 
   
• Narcotics Anonymous – westernmassna.org 
   
• Recovery Dharma – recoverydharma.org 
   
• SMART Recovery – smartrecovery.org 
  
   

1. I’m not totally sober, can I still come? 
   Absolutely. We welcome anyone curious about changing their relationship with substances, at any stage. 
    
2. Does it cost anything to join? 
   All UMass Recovery meetings, coaching, and events are free to students.  
    
3. Can I bring a friend who isn’t in recovery? 
   Yes, supportive friends and allies are encouraged to attend.  
    
4. What’s the difference between the Friday All‑Recovery Meeting and AA/NA? 
   The Friday meeting is discussion‑based and welcomes every pathway (12‑step, SMART, harm‑reduction, curious, etc.). AA/NA follow their own 12‑step formats.  
    
5. What if my addiction isn’t to a substance (e.g., gambling, gaming, food, screen time, sex)? You’re still welcome here. Our All‑Recovery Meeting and coaching support all behavioral addictions, and we can connect you with specialized outside resources if needed. 
    
6. What does “being in recovery” mean? 
   You define your recovery.  We embrace all pathways of recovery.
    
7. I’m a faculty or staff member. Can I come to UMass Recover events?
   YES! Please come to any and all of our events.  We are working to have some events just for faculty and staff. However, UMass Recovery is for you too!