Prevention/Self-Help
Facts on Tap
This program can be requested to help students feel more confident in making informed choices about alcohol. It is not meant to encourage or discourage the consumption of alcohol, but to provide relevant and accurate information about alcohol so students can make more informed decisions and support others in making informed decisions.
Through a variety of activities and discussion, participants will:
- identify what one standard drink equals for beer, wine and hard liquor
- identify the recommended BAC (blood alcohol concentration) to stay at or below in order to stay in the "sweet spot" if consuming alcohol
- describe one or more benefits of staying in your “sweet spot” zone if consuming alcohol.
- list one or more protective behavioral strategies that can be used to prevent alcohol poisoning/overdose or other not so good things
- identify at least two signs of alcohol overdosing/poisoning
- demonstrate the proper steps of the recovery position
- recognize that the majority of UNI students consumed four or fewer drinks the last time they drank alcohol in a social setting
Red Watch Band
The Red Watch Band training symbolizes that the UNI community bands together to watch out for one another when every second counts. This training provides students with knowledge and skills necessary to identify and intervene effectively in an alcohol-related medical emergency.
Through a variety of interactive activities and discussion, participants will:
- understand the dangers of alcohol use and know when, where and how to get help
- identify moderation tips that can be used to prevent alcohol poisoning/overdose or other not so good things
- identify the recommended BAC (blood alcohol concentration) to stay at or below in order to stay in the "sweet spot" if consuming alcohol
- understand what can happen at different levels of blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
- identify the signs of alcohol poisoning/overdose
- demonstrate the proper steps of the recovery position
Have Fun Without Alcohol
Remember, you do not have to drink to have a good time. Enjoy activities without alcohol. There are plenty of alternative activities available on campus or in the community:
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Consider joining a student organization, sport club or intramural team.
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Visit the Wellness/Recreation Center for fitness classes, the pool, rock wall or to utilize the fitness area.
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Explore the Cedar Valley trails (bike, run, walk)!
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Cheer on the Panthers during an athletic event.
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Visit the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center for a show.
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Volunteer for one of the many agencies in the community.
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Attend a Campus Activities Board (CAB) program or event. CAB is a student-run event programming organization that plans events such as concerts, bingo nights and movie nights.
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Join a faith-based community at UNI.
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Visit a local coffee shop, read a new book or learn a new skill!
Campaigns
Student Wellness Services uses research and theory-driven best practices in health promotion and health communication to develop wellness campaigns that promote healthy behaviors regarding alcohol and other drugs, sleep, sexual health, stress and more.
Self-Help Resources
Alcohol eCheckupToGo
You can take a self survey offered by Student Wellness Services to check on your alcohol use. It is a free interactive assessment and feedback tool that was specifically developed for use with college students. Your answers are strictly CONFIDENTIAL. Your name is not attached to this form and no personal identifiable information from this survey will be stored. After completing a confidential questionnaire about your alcohol use, you will receive personalized feedback about:
- Your individual pattern of alcohol use
- Your risk patterns
- Your aspirations and goals
- Helpful resources at University of Northern Iowa and in your community
If you would like to talk about the results of your personalized feedback from the survey, staff from Student Wellness Services are available to meet with you.
Schedule a meeting
Cannabis eCheckup ToGo
Cannabis eCheckup to go is an interactive assessment and feedback tool that was specifically developed for use with college students. After completing a confidential questionnaire about your cannabis use, you will receive accurate and personalized feedback about:
- Your individual pattern of cannabis use
- Your risk patterns
- Your aspirations and goals
- Helpful resources at University of Northern Iowa and in your community
ULifeline
ULifeline offers students a mental health screening tool, information about mental health issues geared towards you, and resources for learning more and getting help. Screening options include alcohol and drugs, depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, suicide, stress, cutting and more.
Go to Ulifeline.org/uni/ and check out the Self-Evaluator. Be proactive about your mental health!
BAC Calculator
A BAC calculator can be used as a prevention tool to plan ahead for a particular drinking occasion to stay in your sweet spot. This is only a guide, not a guarantee.
24/7 Resources
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Alcoholics Anonymous Hotline, 319-291-3627: The hotline can transfer the caller to a volunteer. These volunteers, who are in addiction recovery, can provide emotional support and/or meeting accompaniment
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Al-Anon & Alateen Hotline, 319-291-3660: Both support groups are open to anyone who feels his or her life has been or is being affected by close contact with a problem drinker. Al-Anon & Alateen have one purpose: to help families and friends of compulsive drinkers. We are not affiliated with any religion. Members are anonymous and anonymity is a cornerstone of both programs. What is said in meetings and member to member must be held in strict confidence. The group is entirely self-supporting through member contributions and using a 12-step approach.
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Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Hotline, 319-291-8803: NA is a group of recovering addicts who live without the use of drugs. There are no fees for meeting attendance. The hotline provides information regarding local meeting times and places.
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK: The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
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Statewide Crisis Line, 1-800-332-4224: *The Foundation 2 Crisis Line is Certified by the American Association of Suicidology.
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Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741): Text a trained staff person who will respond via text to provide student crisis support and refer to additional resources if needed.
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Your Life Iowa: 24/7, free and confidential support for problems with alcohol, drugs, mental health and gambling.
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Quitline Iowa: Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free coaching, a customized quit plan, information, referrals and more.
Alcohol & Drug Recovery
The BACCHUS Network™ is a university and community-based network focusing on comprehensive health and safety initiatives. It is the mission of this nonprofit organization to promote student and young adult based, campus and community-wide leadership on health and safety issues.
For over 60 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been dedicated to protecting health and promoting quality of life through the prevention and control of disease, injury, and disability. CDC is committed to programs that reduce the health and economic consequences of the leading causes of death and disability, thereby ensuring a long, productive, healthy life for all people.