Alcohol & Other Drugs

Our programs work to reduce harmful consequences of alcohol and other drug use. We work to support students and trainees in achieving personal and academic potential. Read on to learn about alcohol and other drug-related health concerns, educational initiatives, and environmental strategies. Alcohol and Other Drug Educator. Jay Blake is the confidential resource for alcohol, tobacco and cannabis-related concerns. Using motivational interviewing, she creates a judgement-free space to help people know more about the role those substances play in their lives and what information or goals they can set for themselves if necessary.

For additional reading on the impacts of substance use disorder, click here.

To read more about the research being done at JHU on cannabis, click here.

Alcohol & Drug Programs  and  Services

Blue Jays in the Blue Zone

Alcohol Orientation is required for all first-year students and introduces new Blue Jays to the “Blue Zone.” This is the level of alcohol use where there are fewer negative aspects, considered a BAC between 0.000 and 0.055. Our programming is designed to help students and trainnes who choose to drink to reduce harm and maximize safety resources, and to support students who choose not to drink in their decision.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

MI is a one-session alcohol screening and discussion offered free to all Johns Hopkins learners who want to explore their alcohol or marijuana use. Some students attend an MI session to fulfill a requirement as a result of an alcohol-related conduct violation, while others participate because they would like to learn moderation strategies to reduce negative consequences. This judgment-free program assists students in examining their alcohol and/or marijuana use and helps students develop plans that are in line with their personal goals.

All information within the MI session is kept private between the student and the facilitator. However, if the student indicates that they may harm themselves or others, or talks about an event reportable to The Clery Act, information may be disclosed as appropriate. The only information shared with the referral source is whether the student completed the program by the assigned date. When you have your meeting, your MI facilitator will go over this in more detail. 

Online Resources

JHU community members have free access to:

Opioid Education

The opioid epidemic impacts all people regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, education level, socio-economic status, or affiliation of any kind. In response to this crisis and Maryland state legislation, JHU has developed a training on this topic, which aims to ensure our community is informed and aware of the extent of the epidemic, and is equipped to obtain support for friends, family members, classmates, and ourselves. All learners can find the training in myLearning, which can be accessed by logging into my.JH and either clicking on “My Plan” or searching for Opioid Awareness in the search bar. Please contact Jamelia Blake, Alcohol and Drug Education Specialist, if you need assistance. 

Peer Health Education

Health Promotion and Well-Being’s peer health educators can collaborate to provide interactive health programs related to AOD issues for your enjoyment! These trained health educators will provide you or your group with an educational and entertaining program sure to be fun and memorable! Just contact us and we can work to create a program based on your needs.

 

The Maryland Collaborative

Johns Hopkins is a member of the The Maryland Collaborative to Reduce College Drinking and Related Problems, which brings together Maryland colleges to address the problem of excessive drinking and its consequences on their campuses and in their communities. College student drinking problems exact enormous social and economic costs for families, friends, and the community-at-large, including assaults, injuries, drunk driving, alcohol abuse and dependency, and death. Initiatives with the Maryland Collaborative include: 

  • The Maryland College Alcohol Survey (Annually in February)
  • Evidence-based campaigns around substance use
  • Environmental approaches to reduce the harms of alcohol and cannabis in our communities such as policies and laws