Our Approach
Student Wellness Services provides substance use education and prevention through an evidence-based harm reduction and health education framework. This means that we seek to provide each student with the tools and resources they need to make informed decisions, reduce potential risks, and lead a healthy lifestyle. We also expect every student to follow the code of Student Rights and Responsibilities and campus Substance Abuse and Prevention Policy.
Each student has unique beliefs, experiences, and knowledge about substances and is on a different path. The services and resources provided are intended to be intersectional and aim to reduce stigma and engage the entire campus community. Whether you never use substances, occasionally use, are in recovery, or are seeking ways to support a friend, we hope you find this page to be a useful resource.
Self-Paced Resources
2Morrow Health
An app to help you quit vaping/nicotine
Quit vaping/nicotine with a smartphone app that guides users through quitting and new ways to deal with unhelpful thoughts, urges, and cravings caused by nicotine.
Alcohol101+
Learn about responsible alcohol use
An interactive course that teaches students about standard drink sizes, blood alcohol content (BAC), alcohol’s impact on the body, responsible decision making, and risk reduction tips.
Cannabis T-Break Guide
A guide on taking cannabis tolerance breaks
A 21-day guide providing support on taking a cannabis tolerance break, covering the physical, emotional, and spiritual components to use.
eCHECKUP TO GO
Personalized feedback on your substance use
An anonymous, interactive tool designed to give you personalized feedback on your substance use. As an Evergreen student, you have access to "Alcohol eCHECKUP" and "Cannabis eCHECKUP".
Practical Guide to Assessing Your Cannabis Use
Tips, tools, and thoughts around cannabis use
Helps with thinking about your cannabis use, information about cannabis, as well as tips and tools that can help with reducing use.
Workshops and Presentations
To request a specific workshop, presentation, or to partner for an event; please email Lauren Ryan at Lauren.Ryan@evergreen.edu. We need at least 3-week's advance notice for a workshop or presentation.
Recovery and Treatment Support
Substance Use Info and Community Resources
Alcohol
Before you consider drinking alcohol, it’s important to understand Washington State Alcohol Laws and the College’s Substance Abuse and Prevention Policies surrounding its use. If you choose to consume alcohol, it’s important to understand what you’re drinking, how much, how it affects your body, and how to stay safe.
Standard drink sizes vary based on the type of alcohol with ‘one standard drink’ containing roughly 14 grams of pure alcohol. ‘One standard drink’ for beer is 12 oz (5% alcohol or ABV), wine is 5 oz (12% alcohol), and hard alcohol is 1.5oz (40% alcohol). Why is it important to know standard drink size? So that you can accurately count your drinks and know how much alcohol is in your body, also known as blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Be mindful that if you’re drinking a higher ABV drink than what’s considered ‘standard’ as outline above, the serving size would also decrease. For example, if you’re drinking an 8% ABV beer, one drink would be closer to 8 oz. instead of 12 oz.
- Alcohol Drink Size Calculator (NIAAA)
- Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Calculator
- Mixed Drink/Cocktail Content Calculator (NIAAA)
- Alcohol and You: Interactive Body (NIAAA)
- Alcohol Overdose/Poisoning (NIAAA)
- Washington Poison Center: immediate and free treatment advice and assistance via telephone at 1-800-222-1222
Cannabis
Before you consider using recreational marijuana, it’s important to understand Washington State Cannabis Laws and the College’s Substance Abuse and Prevention Policies surrounding its use. There’s also a lot of misinformation out there about how weed impacts the body and its impact on our health. Consider checking out the following resources to learn more.
- Learn About Cannabis (UW ADAI)
- You Can WA
- High-THC Cannabis (WA DOH)
Tobacco/Nicotine
Did you know that nicotine is one of the most addictive substances on the planet? Nicotine is the psychoactive chemical in tobacco and vaping products that stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain. This fast flooding of dopamine is what makes nicotine so addictive. Nicotine can also negatively impact learning, mood, impulse control, and emotions. The good news is that there are many benefits to quitting – including improvements in physical, mental, and financial health!
Quitting can be difficult but know you’re not alone and help is available! We have FREE Quit Kits available in our office. Reach out to Lauren.Ryan@evergreen.edu to pick one up.
- Choose You WA
- WA State Quitline: 1-800-784-8669
- Self-Help Options (WA DOH)
- Truth Initiative
- Ex Program (Mayo Clinic and Truth Initiative)
Opioids
Opioids are a class of drugs, including morphine, heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl, that are derived from the opium poppy plant. They work in the brain to block pain receptors and include both prescription medications and illegal drugs. Opioids can cause sleepiness, relaxation, euphoria, nausea, and slowed breathing. Regular use increases the chances of tolerance, dependence, addiction, and fatal overdose. Check out our Opioid Response and Naloxone webpage for more information.