Aerial photo of Montclair State University campus buildings.

Alcohol and Other Drug Programs

Montclair State University’s Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Project (AODPP) is a comprehensive, evidence-informed practice designed to implement and evaluate campus and community-based strategies to prevent high-risk drinking and other drug use among college students. It is a collaborative effort involving Health Promotion, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the Student Conduct Officer and many campus and community partners.

Although the office of Health Promotion is the primary provider of alcohol and other drug prevention education, many departments and campus partners are involved in educating students, staff, faculty and families. Counseling is also provided through CAPS in individual or group settings.

In an emergency, please call University Police at 973-655-5222.

Our Initiatives

CAPS Alcohol and Other Drug Counseling

Alcohol and Other Drug Programs consists of a range of confidential, non-judgmental or labeling services offered to Montclair State University students who have concerns and/or questions related to their alcohol or other drug use or have been impacted by someone else’s (family, friend, spouse etc.) use or misuse.

In partnership with Health Promotion, services include individual and group counseling, creative workshops and presentations designed to empower students to make healthier and responsible choices, build and strengthen coping skills and insight.

Schedule Appointment or Consultation: 973-655-5211

Educational Workshops and Presentations

Educational presentations available to students, families, staff and faculty. They explore current alcohol and drug use trends both on a campus and national level and address current prevention and education efforts, campus policies and resources, signs of misuse/abuse and how to help students with a problem.

Harm Reduction Initiatives

Narcan Kits: Montclair State University Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has installed naloxone kits supplied by the New Jersey Department of Health in the AED cabinets across campus, which are located in highly visible areas such as academic buildings, residence halls and administrative offices. University Police and EMT’s currently also carry naloxone kits. Narcan is also available at the Health Promotion Drop-In Center, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and the Student Health Center, further increasing accessibility to this life-saving resource across campus.

The Safe: “The Safe” is a vending machine initiative out of the Office of Health Promotion and the Student Health Center. Our goal is to provide the campus community with increased access to important health-related items including Naloxone and Fentanyl test strips.

Medication Drop Box: Through our partnership with the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention Team (ADAPT), a permanent medication drop box is available at University Police Headquarters. This location will be able to accept medications 24 hours a day 365 days a year for proper disposal. All items discarded will be destroyed with no questions asked.

Individual-based Programs and Interventions

In order to assess, prevent and manage University challenges related to the use of alcohol and other drugs (AOD), CAPS has developed and participates in numerous campus-based initiatives directed toward reducing high-risk alcohol and other drug (AOD) use among students. Utilizing a multi-disciplinary approach, individuals from across the campus (including faculty, staff and students) are working collaboratively to identify and support students who are at risk for alcohol and other drug abuse. CAPS provides a number of services to students who are either at risk for AOD related difficulties or who present with on-going substance-related concerns.

Online Interventions

Alcohol eCHECKUP TO GO: The electronic Check-Up to Go, is a brief self-assessment that provides you with accurate, detailed and personalized feedback on your use of alcohol, and specific information and helpful resources in the Montclair State University community.

Cannabis eCHECKUP TO GO: The electronic THC Online Knowledge Experience is a brief self-assessment that provides you with accurate, detailed and personalized feedback on your use of marijuana, and specific information and helpful resources in the Montclair State University community.

Recovery Room

Recovery Room is an informal group for students looking to explore their relationship with alcohol and/or other drugs or self identify as in recovery and are seeking resources and peer support in a safe and affirming recovery-friendly environment. This group is only open to currently enrolled Montclair State University students who are in recovery from alcohol or other drugs or actively seeking recovery support resources.
For more information, contact Dr. Marie Cascarano at cascaranom@hwfj-art.com.

Social Marketing Campaigns

Using health promotion theory and social marketing principles, these campaigns aim to provide accurate health information, promote policies, identify resources and dispel myths.

Substance-free Activities

Montclair State University provides a healthy and stable support structure for students in addition to their regular academic routine. There are hundreds of programs offered by various departments and student organizations that promote health and wellness and are substance free. Intentional and collaborative programming between departments encourages student involvement with activities that are substance free.

Special emphasis is placed on weekend and Thursday night programming. The Center for Student Involvement, Residence Life and the Department of Campus Recreation work together throughout the year to provide events, trips and activities for all students. This is done to encourage participation in activities that foster positive social, emotional and physical well-being.

Additional Information