Phase 1, 2, and 3 of SOS

If you have violated the drinking laws of Montana or the Campus conduct code you are required to complete an alcohol education course or attend counseling. Students who self refer or are required by the judicial system to seek counseling, assessment or substance abuse education, are to meet with the coordinator or assistance coordinator to determine which SOS service, if any, will meet their personal needs or the requirements of the referral source.  When the needs of the student exceed the program’s service capacity, a referral to a community resource will be made.

First write-up or MIP – completion of the phase 1 ASTS program.
Second write-up or MIP – completion of the phase 2 BASICS program.
Third write-up, MIP or First or second DUI – completion of either the phase 3 Options group or Abstinence group.

Phase #1: ASTS – Alcohol Skills Training Seminar (ASAM .5)
Intended for first campus write-ups or first MIP’s (minor in possession of alcohol). This non-confrontational, harm reducing approach helps students reduce their alcohol consumption and decrease the health, academic and social risks associated with it. When referenced with the American Society of Addictive Medicine (ASAM) patient placement criteria, this is a Level .5 early intervention program. Cost: $70.

• ASTS class: This 2-hour multi-media presentation teaches students the skills and information necessary to better manage their substance use.
• ASTS Seminar: This 3-hour seminar follows the ASTS class and provides students an opportunity to discuss how they handle the “culture of drinking” and other drug use that surrounds college campuses.
• Cost:  $70.00

Phase #2: BASICS (ASAM .5)
Intended for second offenses whether it be a campus write-up or a MIP. For second MIP offenders it is possible to take Phase #2 only when the referring judge does not require a chemical dependency evaluation (SOS does not provide CD evaluations). Some students are developing troublesome substance use patterns and are unsure if they are going through a passing phase or if they are creating long-lasting habits they should address. Based on the model "Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students," this program provides personalized feedback on risk factors. Participants have the opportunity to examine the benefits and drawbacks substances have on their lives and learn sensible ways to deal with it. This is an ASAM level .5 motivational enhancement program.

• First session is 90 minutes long. An SOS student intern talks with the student about adjustments to campus life, personal and professional goals, substance use patterns and any resulting negative behavioral consequences that may contribute to the student’s health risks.  They are asked to fill out a risk assessment after that session and to monitor their substance use until they return for a second interview, usually two weeks later.
• During the second interview, personalized feedback and specific advice about ways to reduce alcohol consumption and decrease the behavioral and health risks associated with alcohol or other drug use are reviewed.
• BASICS group: This group (6-8 participants) provides opportunities to discuss the benefits and drawbacks that substances are having on the participants’ lives. They discuss motivation to change and explore options to address their experiences. Six group sessions, 1½ hour each.
• Exit session
• Cost: $130.00

Phase #3: OUTPATIENT COUNSELING (ASAM 1.0)
Intended for students referred to outpatient treatment and for those who seek assistance on their own accord. For example, this will meet the requirements of those referred by the ACT or MDD program for “level 1” counseling. Students will meet with an SOS counselor to determine a treatment plan, which will include group counseling:

• 1-3 individual sessions to determine a treatment plan, which may include group treatment. 
• Setting Limits group – Students develop practical strategies to adjust and better manage their use of alcohol and other drugs. This counseling group meets weekly, for eight sessions and will help students develop the skills necessary to stay within self-imposed limits.
• Abstinence group – whether for a month or a lifetime, this group helps students create a lifestyle free of alcohol or other drugs. Meets weekly. A minimum commitment for eight weeks is required though participants can continue throughout the course of the semester(s) if desired.
• Cost: $130.00

Attendance:
It is expected that you attend every appointment. Many students seek SOS services and a waiting list often develops. By policy, students who miss an appointment without canceling and rescheduling are sent back to their referral source as non-compliant and may be referred off campus to another provider.

Important Information:

I agree and understand the following:

1. I must attend all required sessions.
2. I must be on time to each session. LATECOMERS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED INTO THE SESSION,YOU  WILL HAVE TO SIGN UP FOR THE NEXT AVAILABLE CLASS, AND WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE SESSION.