Instead of focusing so much of its health resources and information on the dangers of a single night of drinking, the College should be educating us about the long-term effects of substance abuse, especially alcoholism. Students joke about alcoholism, but few realize that the amount and frequency of our consumption, if left unchecked, could lead to real alcoholism. Especially within the Greek system, the College should be educating us about this problem, instead of spending so much time educating us about Good Sam and keg policies.
--Tom Mandel '11
While a program like HealThy Self is indubitably well-intentioned, the College has already established sufficient programs to aid recovering alcoholics and addicts. Especially during the economic downturn, the College cannot fund multiple programs that seek to achieve the same goal. Dick's House and peer advisory groups provide plenty of outlets for recovering and potential addicts.
--Kevin Niparko '12
Dartmouth already provides a number of resources (including DAPA, SAPA, EDPA and professional counselors at Dick's House) that offer help to students in need. Additionally, the school does a good job of advertising these organizations through BlitzMail and other mediums. The College has done its part -- it is up to individuals to come forward and seek help. As this can often be a difficult thing to do, perhaps we should take responsibility for our peers and encourage those in need to take the next step.
--Blair Sullivan '10
Oftentimes, those in need of help are unable to recognize those needs themselves. If the College wants to target substance dependency, it needs to equip the dependents' friends. Students need to know warning signs and dangers of addiction, the channels by which help can be sought, and the proper way to intervene.
--Nathan Bruschi '10
The College offers enough resources for students to receive the help they need. It's a matter of how motivated they are and how responsible they are for their own welfare.
--Spenser Mestel '11
The College has an immense amount invested in peer counseling and support for students. The question is whether it is being invested effectively. We ought to reach out to students who use and rely on Dartmouth's resources for everything from mental health issues to substance abuse. Asking them directly what works and what doesn't is the only way we can continue to improve our support resources. Moving beyond the administrative realm, student-initiated support and accountability between friends can go a long ways towards confronting problems and encouraging people to get help.
--Isaiah Berg '11
Ultimately, the problem lies with the College's inability to effect any change in the Greek system. Until we confront the underlying cause of substance abuse issues, all recovery programs and other resources will never be more than a Band-Aid covering a festering wound.
--Brian Solomon '11
I have seen several instances in which the College seems to have done its best to avoid having to deal with students' emotional problems. When someone comes forward with signs that another student is struggling with emotional issues, administrators need to take these reports seriously and act proactively, instead of just brushing them off until a crisis occurs.
--Emily Johnson '12
