Prevention Services

Alcohol and Other Drugs

Parents and caregivers have the best chance to prevent harmful alcohol and other drug use by their young adults if they talk to them about it before going to college, especially the summer before! It may not seem like they are listening, but they are! So, please converse with them about alcohol and other drugs. At NC State, we continuously develop our program to keep your young adult safe, and we pledge to partner with you in reducing the negative consequences that can come from drinking. Even though about 77% of NC State undergraduates drink safely or don’t drink at all, one bad night can change everything. Our goal is to support non-drinking students to continue to abstain, educate students choosing to drink to do so in a way that reduces harm, support high-risk drinkers wanting to reduce or stop drinking and support students in recovery.

• Use these talking points and questions to get the conversation started! You may also wish to read the article What Parents Need to Know About College Binge Drinking.
• Incoming students under the age of 21, including transfer students, are required to complete Alcohol-Wise.

Learn more about Alcohol and Other Drugs >>

CARES

The program works closely with campus resources to provide early intervention for students who may be struggling personally or whose behavior has led others to be concerned for their well-being.  Case managers meet with students and provide access to resources while following up with them and monitoring their progress.

Make a Referral

Students, faculty, parents, and others are strongly encouraged to report behaviors that they feel are concerning or worrisome (no matter how small or insignificant they may seem).

Click here to access the concerning Behavioral Referral Form.

For frequently asked questions and more, visit NC State Cares online.

Pack Recovery

Pack Recovery at NC State is a registered student organization that is supported by staff. Pack Recovery seeks to connect students who identify as in recovery, foster their collegiate success, and provide the opportunity for students to have an alternative college experience. We are also open to community members who identify as sober-curious or who may be sober sampling. Pack Recovery is open to all pathways of recovery! Learn more >>

Suicide Prevention

Suicide prevention efforts at NC State work to minimize identified risk factors and increase protective factors related to suicidality. This includes increasing social connectivity on campus through increasing awareness of campus resources and large-scale outreach efforts. In addition, we work to increase broad ownership across campus for suicide prevention by educating students, faculty, and staff regarding how to recognize when a person is exhibiting signs of suicidal ideation or intent and how to successfully intervene. We also work to decrease stigma around suicide and mental health help-seeking behavior through increasing awareness of the commonality of painful experiences, empowering Mental Health Ambassadors, and creating videos related to personal student stories. Watch the Emmy Award-winning video #StoptheStigma here.

How parents can help.

The transition to college is challenging not only for students but also for parents and family members that care about their well-being. Many college students struggle with mental health symptoms or even thoughts of suicide. Parents should take any statements related to suicide seriously and learn these warning signs.

Below are tips for broaching the topic of mental health with your student:

• Don’t be afraid to initiate a direct conversation.
• Listen to the student calmly and nonjudgmentally.
• If possible, speak with the student regularly.
• Express your love, support, and openness.
• Don’t be afraid to ask the student directly if they are considering ending their life.
• Become familiar with campus resources in order to suggest these options.
• If you notice the student seems resistant to talk with you, consider suggesting other individuals and resources (resident advisor/director, counselor, support groups, etc.).
• Find out when to complete a CARES report.
• Encourage the student to get involved in groups on campus that might increase social connection.
• Thank the student for opening up to you and expressing, “I’m always here for you.”

To speak with a crisis counselor, call 919.515.2423 or the National Suicide Hotline at 1.800.273.8255. In the case of an emergency, please call campus police at 919.515.3000 or 911. There is always hope.

For more information and resources about suicide prevention at NC State, click here.