Columbia University Health Services

BASICS (Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students) is designed to assist you in examining your drinking and other drug use behavior in a judgment-free environment. BASICS is not an abstinence-only program. Instead, the goals are selected by you and aimed at reducing risky behaviors and potential harmful consequences. Services provided through the BASICS program are non-judgmental, non-labeling, and confidential.

BASICS involves an initial meeting with a BASICS provider, the completion of an online assessment, and a second meeting with the same provider. Appointments can be scheduled online and a variety of times and days are offered.  During your BASICS appointments, you will also have the opportunity to discuss any issues or concerns you may have including sleep and mental health. BASICS is administered through the Alice! Health Promotion Program, part of Health Services at Columbia.

Lower-Risk Drinking is:

• Determining the number of drinks you plan to consume before drinking
• Eating before and while you are drinking
• Pacing your drinking to no more than one drink per hour
• Consuming no more than 4 drinks for women, 5 for men in one sitting
• Alternating alcohol-free drinks and alcohol drinks
• Avoiding drinking games
• Planning how to get home before going out
• Asking friends for help sticking to your drinking “rules”
• Knowing what is in your drink
• Never leaving a drink unattended

Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol depresses the nervous system. This includes the ability to breathe and the gag reflex which prevents choking. High levels of alcohol can stop these functions. Even after someone stops drinking, alcohol is in the system and can be fatal. If you see someone experiencing the following symptoms, call for help immediately.

• Mental confusion
• Semi-consciousness or unconscious and cannot be awakened
• Cold, clammy, pale, or bluish skin
• Slowed breathing (fewer than 8 breaths per minute)
• Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths)
• Vomiting while "sleeping" or passed out, and not waking up after vomiting

If a person has any of these symptoms, s/he is most likely experiencing acute alcohol intoxication.

• Get help. Call 854-5555 or x99 on campus; off campus call 911
• Do not leave the person alone.
• Turn the person on his/her side to prevent choking in case of vomiting.
• Always better to be safe than sorry: How can someone be angry at you about caring for him/her?

Campus Resources

• Alice! Health Promotion Program
• CAVA (CU Emergency Medical Services)
• Counseling and Psychological Services 
• Go Ask Alice!
• Primary Care Medical Services 
• Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Program

Off-Campus Resources

• Addiction Services Helpline: 1-877-8 HOPE NY
• Adult Children of Alcoholics
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• College Drinking: Changing the Culture