Our Approach
We promote substance use harm reduction through a multi-pronged effort which includes:
- clear articulation of policies that promote an educational environment and care first approach;
- ongoing prevention and harm reduction education programming for members of the campus community;
- training and empowerment for students to effectively intervene in instances where harm (particularly sexual violence) may occur;
- mental health promotion and support
- one-to-one non-judgemental harm reduction discussions with WRC staff and Peer Health Educators
- tobacco and nicotine use treatment and cessation with WRC staff
- providing referrals to campus medical services, Counseling Center, and off-campus treatment programs and resources.
Alcohol can pose health and safety risks including injury, overdose, and victimization (causing harm to someone). Offices like Campus Activities and Residential Experience, as well as student groups like Sacred Grounds, develop programming and spaces that promote safe, fun substance-free environments and events. There are many resources for students looking for alternative events and activities.
If you would like to check in on your alcohol use, check out this free and confidential screener here.
Cannabis. Although recreational use of cannabis use is legal in Colorado for people over 21 years of age, marijuana use and possession are prohibited on the Colorado College campus. If you have questions about the Colorado marijuana statutes, the State of Colorado and the City of Colorado Springs have developed information to help residents understand the laws.
If you would like to check in on your cannabis use, check out this free and confidential screener here. This screener will provide harm reduction tips on your cannabis use.
Additional resources:
Responsible use: Cannabis (cannabis.colorado.gov)
How to take a cannabis tolerance break: University of Vermont (uvm.edu)
Tobacco and nicotine. We've known for decades that tobacco use is harmful to our health, even when we use it infrequently or occasionally - placing us at increased risk for a variety of illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, respiratory illness, reproductive complications, and oral health problems. Nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco and in vaping products is one of the most addictive substances available.
If you or someone you know uses tobacco and/or nicotine and is interested in quitting or reducing their risk, reach out to us. We offer tobacco treatment and cessation counseling and therapies to help someone understand their use and achieve their goals.
You can learn more about the impacts of tobacco use, strategies, and resources for quitting at TobaccoFreeCO.
Harm reduction tips and information about the umbrella of other drugs are available at WRC- you can also stock up on fentanyl testing strips and Narcan.
In short if using other substances: go slow, use caution - especially if using multiple substances at one time, test your stuff, and carry Narcan.
Reach out if you would like more information and check out CC's Substance Use Harm Reduction club (SUHR) if you want to get involved!
For students interested in substance use recovery, here are a variety of resources available:
Campus and Community Resources:
- The CC Counseling Center includes Certified Addiction Counselors
- To make an appointment at the Counseling Center: 719-389-6093
- Chaplain Kate Holbrook, a confidential resource and works with students to support and promote substance-free student programs.
- Serenity Recovery Connection a non-profit community-based recovery support organization
- Colorado Springs community AA, NA, and Al-Anon meetings Regular local meetings:
- Additional Recovery Meetings can be found through SMARTfinder.
- Start Your Recovery provides relatable, reliable information at any stage of their recovery journey, including information about signs and symptoms, treatment options and resources.
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