Beyond Addiction

The end of the school year is here for millions of college students. It's a time for final exams and report cards, commencement ceremonies and parties. And while many will celebrate what they've learned over the years, their education won't include lessons on the dangers of alcohol or other drugs. Some are likely to pay for their ignorance with serious consequences.

Dear Mr. Moyers: I've worked as a substance abuse counselor for over 20 years. The last three, I have been employed at the university level as their prevention person and counselor. I also teach a substance-abuse class for social workers.

My question is: How can I better reach out to college students? If I had thought that working in treatment centers was hard, reaching out to the college student is not easy, either. I am seeing more students with both a substance dependence and mental health diagnosis in my office. But, as usual, the students don't believe that they have a problem, and I am just an old lady who doesn't understand them.

Only after sharing my story do they open up somewhat. I try to help them find the faith and confidence in themselves that they either have not had or lost along the way.

Do you have any thoughts on how to reach out to them? I am also in charge of educational programming, but we either don't have funding for programming or the students will not come. It is so hard to educate them on life being great without drugs or alcohol. — Valerie S. at the University of Illinois in Springfield

Dear Valerie: I admire your commitment to helping educate the next generation. The process should start long before college, by parents at home and in elementary and junior high school health classes. But it isn't until they arrive at college that too many people discover first-hand the ravages of alcohol or other drug abuse. So it is never too early or too late to start.

I share your frustration, too.

When we consider the vast amounts of money spent on academia — from bricks and mortar to athletics to state-of-the-art scientific research centers — it is troubling that we don't allocate the necessary resources to health and wellness issues for students.

Some effort is being made. Many curriculums now require students to take one academic class on alcohol and drug abuse. There are stout guidelines and regulations about the use of these substances on or off campus. And 12-step recovery meetings are part of campus life. But a vital component is an "open door" policy at campus health clinics where students are encouraged to seek help by trained professionals who can steer them to assistance.

Students should not be punished for seeking help. And students who do violate campus policies should be required to get such help. Sometimes they are most teachable when they become keenly aware of their consequences.

Dear Mr. Moyers: In two weeks, I'll graduate with a 3.6 grand point average and honors in my business management major from Boston College (not exactly known as a teetotaler's paradise). Even more amazing is that I've gotten through four years without once taking a drink. I'm one of the speakers at an event during the weekend commencement shindig. Do you think I should mention this fact? I don't want to come off sounding "holier than thou." — Chris R. in Boston

Dear Chris: Why not? There's always talk on campus whenever a student gets in trouble with alcohol. So seize the moment and make some good news. You've got the podium and a captive audience. Graduation is a moment to share in the celebration of hard work and accomplishment. You never know who might be helped by what you say. Your diploma deserves as asterisk. ("* I remember all of my college days.")

William C. Moyers is the vice president of external affairs for the Hazelden Foundation and the author of "Broken," a best-selling memoir. The paperback edition was released in August 2007. Please send your questions to William Moyers at William@williammoyers.com. To find out more about William Moyers and read his past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.

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