Alcohol & Other Drugs Education is housed within the Department of Residential Engagement & Wellbeing and provides a harm reduction approach to alcohol and other drugs using evidence-based public health theory and rooting our work in a social justice framework. The work of Alcohol & Other Drugs Education ranges from trainings and workshops; campus-wide initiatives and events; policy review and campus-wide initiatives; resource and information sharing; and administering BASICS and CASICS. For more information, contact:

Taya Westfield, Wellbeing Educator for Alcohol & Other Drugs 
Keefe Health Center, Room 204
twestfield@amherst.edu

Workshops and Trainings

The Wellbeing Educator for Alcohol & Other Drugs provides a range of specialized trainings to students, faculty and staff on topics related to alcohol and other drugs.  Specific groups receive regular trainings in alcohol and other drugs, including student leaders and new students. Groups can request trainings, such as Recovery Ally Training or naloxone (Narcan) training, by contacting Taya Westfield at twestfield@amherst.edu.

Programs

Alcohol & Other Drugs Education hosts many programs and events throughout the year. In addition to programs and tables hosted by the Student Health Educators, some other events are the following: 

  • Drop-in office hour sessions 
  • The annual Recovery Reception in September, in honor of National Recovery Month 
  • Zero Proof Bar mocktail events within residence halls 

Check out our Events Calendar for information about upcoming Alcohol & Other Drugs Education events and reach out to twestfield@amherst.edu with inquiries regarding collaboration and/or co-sponsorship opportunities.

BASICS and CASICS

BASICS (Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students) and CASICS (Cannabis Screening and Intervention for College Students) are evidence-based programs designed specifically for college students. These sessions help students explore their decisions around alcohol and/or cannabis use in a non-judgmental, non-confrontational, and private environment.

The Wellbeing Educator for Alcohol & Other Drugs provides BASICS/CASICS conversations for current students. If you would like to learn more about BASICS/CASICS, please visit the BASICS and CASICS page.

Consultation and Resource Referrals 

The Wellbeing Educator for Alcohol & Other Drugs Educator is available to students, faculty, and staff to provide consultation, personal skill building, information sharing, and resource referral.  Community members who have questions or concerns related to alcohol and other drugs can contact Taya Westfield at twestfield@amherst.edu to set up a meeting. 

Recovery Support Resources

There are a variety of support resources available both on campus and in the broader community for students who are currently in or seeking recovery from a substance use disorder. Numerous resources are also available for those seeking support because a friend or family member is in recovery. For more information, please visit the pages below.