Striving To Achieve Real Success (STARS)
STARS is a treatment program that works to intervene with students when issues with substance use first start to appear. Students risking suspension from the university for alcohol or other drug related offenses may be eligible for this new treatment program. STARS is designed to provide structure and accountability to help the student stay in school. Students may also elect to voluntarily enroll in the program because they themselves, a parent, a friend, or an advisor are concerned about their substance use.
Components of the Program
Intake
Following a substance abuse evaluation and admission to the program, the student will meet with his/her case manager to begin a needs assessment and treatment plan. The STARS program takes a holistic approach to therapy utilizing a 10 Dimension Wheel of Health. Prior to their initial treatment planning, students assess themselves on each of these ten dimensions; identifying strengths, areas of growth, and the impact of substance use. Students then identify specific areas or focus and set goals for each of the dimensions identified.
- Other components of the treatment plan may include:
- Individual therapy
- Medication evaluation
- Self-help meetings (i.e. AA)
- Staff assistance in identifying campus and community resources
- Random drug and alcohol screenings (not required for participation in the program)
While some students may be required to remain abstinent from all substances for various reasons, others may be working at reducing their use and developing a healthier relationship with alcohol and other drugs.
Group Therapy
All students enrolled in the STARS program will have the opportunity to participate in weekly group therapy. The therapy serves several purposes including; getting and giving support from peers who are going through similar struggles with alcohol and other drugs, checking in with each other and the group facilitator on treatment plans and wellness areas of focus, recognizing and rewarding students who are doing well, as well as identifying students who need adjustments to their treatment plans.
Case Management
In addition to their initial case management session, students are also given two 30 minute case management sessions throughout the course of the program to check-in about their treatment plans and make any necessary changes. Further support is available for an additional fee.
