BASICS
BRIEF ALCOHOL SCREENING AND INTERVENTION FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
BASICS is a prevention program for college students or college-aged individuals who drink alcohol heavily and have experienced or are at risk for alcohol-related problems. Following a harm reduction approach, Individual BASICS aims to motivate individuals to reduce alcohol use in order to decrease the negative consequences of drinking. BASICS is a nationally recognized program implemented at over 1000 US locations.
BASICS is delivered over the course of two 1 ½ hour one on one interviews with a brief online assessment survey taken by the individual after the first session. The first interview gathers information about the individual's recent alcohol consumption patterns, personal beliefs about alcohol, and drinking history, while providing instructions for self-monitoring any drinking between sessions and preparing the individual for the online assessment survey. Information from the online assessment survey is used to develop a customized feedback profile for use in the second interview, which compares personal alcohol use with alcohol use norms, reviews individualized negative consequences and risk factors, clarifies perceived risks and benefits of drinking, and provides options to assist in making changes to decrease or abstain from alcohol use.
Based on principles of motivational interviewing, BASICS is delivered in an empathetic, non-confrontational, and nonjudgmental manner and is aimed at revealing the discrepancy between the individual's risky drinking behavior and his or her goals and values.
Register Now
Please read the details provided on registration and complete these two steps.
- Register online.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, expect a video not physical appointment.
- After registration, confirm a schedule for your individual appointment with Connections Counseling (608-233-2100 ext-0 or info@connectionscounsling.com).
- Program cost is $200
- Register and submit credit card information using the online registration link above
- After registering you must schedule your individual appointment. Call 608-233-2100 ext-0 from 9 am to 7 pm Mon-Thurs, or until 3 pm Friday to schedule your appointment or Connections Counseling will try to contact you via email or phone to schedule.
- If you are unable to use a credit card schedule an initial BASICS session in person at 5005 University Ave clinic location.
- If you do not show for the first BASICS session, or cancel with less than 24 hours notice, an $80 no-show fee applies. You are required to pay the additional fee prior to re-schedule.
- If you do not show for the second and final session of BASICS, or cancel with less than 24 hours notice, $80 will be due on the day of service of the second session ("No-Show" fee).
- If you are late, you will not be seen and no show policy and fees above will apply
- After successful BASICS completion, an email certificate of completion will be emailed to you. Subsequent requests for documentation of completion have a $40 records fee.
Based on principles of motivational interviewing, BASICS is delivered in an empathic, nonconfrontational, and nonjudgmental manner and is aimed at revealing the discrepancy between the individual’s risky drinking behavior and his or her goals and values.
Locations
Where? Interviews are conducted at the Connections Counseling office, located two miles west of the UW Hospital at the intersection of University Avenue and Whitney Way. Convenient access exists to many City of Madison bus lines including routes 12, 15, 28, 71 and 72. Address 5005 University Ave. Requires a prior appointment.
Connections Counseling
5005 University Ave
FAQ About BASICS & Choices of Alcohol
Who may be required to enroll in Choices About Alcohol and/or BASICS?
Students who are involved in an alcohol-related violation of University policy may be required to attend either Choices About Alcohol or BASICS as a condition of their formal misconduct sanction. Students or non-students may also be referred to Choices About Alcohol and/or BASICS from area court systems, attorneys, and/or other referral sources.
What is the difference between Choices About Alcohol and BASICS?
Choices About Alcohol ($125) is a group experience with 8-12 college-enrolled students and consists of two 90-minute sessions. Choices About Alcohol is for college-enrolled students who are involved in first-offense violations that do not have a serious circumstance. Group sessions are facilitated by trained facilitators. In the sessions, students will be provided an opportunity to examine their academic, emotional, and physical well-being in a manner that facilitates better choices in the future.
BASICS ($200) involves two one-on-one sessions (sessions scheduled two weeks apart) with a trained BASICS facilitator. BASICS is for repeat violations or any violations involving very serious circumstances such as transports to Detox/ER and/or disorderly conduct. In the sessions, the student will have a structured opportunity to assess his or her individual risk and identify potential changes for the future, and is intended to reduce the potential harms that are associated with high-risk drinking. BASICS is also appropriate for college-aged individuals not currently enrolled in a university institution, who may have been referred from the court system, attorney, or other party.
How are individuals referred to Choices About Alcohol or BASICS?
Choices About Alcohol and BASICS are the standard educational program required for alcohol-related violations of UW-Madison policies. Students will receive written notice from the Dean of Students or a Residence Life staff member responsible for their conduct case informing them of the requirement to attend either Choices About Alcohol or BASICS. Students are required to complete the program within a 4-week period. Participants may also be referred to Choices About Alcohol or BASICS from area court systems, attorneys, and/or other referral sources.
How do I enroll in a Choices About Alcohol section?
Choices About Alcohol: connectionscounseling.com/choices-about-alcohol
How do I enroll in a BASICS section?
BASICS: (608) 233-2100 Ext. 0