Risky substance use among college students is widespread and associated with numerous negative consequences. RARC researchers created an online personalized feedback program, All About U, for college students that targets genetically influenced risk pathways for substance use and provides feedback on personality-related risk domains along with individualized recommendations and campus resources. This page will provide you more information about the science behind the program, strategies to help you manage your substance use, and resources to help you better understand substance use and you.
Looking to Learn More About the Relationship between Personality-Related Traits and Substance Use and the All About U program?
- Genetically Influenced Externalizing and Internalizing Risk Pathways as Novel Prevention Targets
- Initial Results from a New College Substance Use Prevention Program Targeting Externalizing and Internalizing Traits
- Bridging the Gap between Genetic Epidemiological Research and Prevention: A Randomized Control Trial of a Novel Personalized Feedback Program for Alcohol and Cannabis Use
Strategies to reduce your risk of experiencing substance use problems:
Eat a meal before you start! Having food in your stomach slows the absorption rate of alcohol and edibles, making the effects feel smoother and more sustained.
Plan substance-free days. The fewer days in a row you use alcohol or other drugs, the better because regular use is habit-forming. If you use alcohol or other drugs every day, try cutting back to every other day, or try not using at all for two to three days. Make sure you have in mind other ways to spend your time and energy, so you don’t end up sitting around thinking about how you miss getting buzzed.
Manage your “triggers.” If certain people, places, or activities tempt you to drink or use more than you planned, you can avoid those triggers. For example, instead of going to a party with your friends, suggest catching up at lunch instead. You may also want to remove certain alcohol or other drug products from your space.
Make a plan for dealing with cravings. For example, when you feel the urge to drink or use other drugs, set a timer for 15 to 20 minutes and try waiting before using. The short delay may reduce your craving, and several delays can add up to an overall decrease in use.
Find support. Ask for support from a friend, family member, or healthcare provider, or access online resources. To access treatment:
- Anyone: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) oversees a confidential and anonymous treatment seeking tool and operates a free, confidential, 24/7, 365 day-a-year treatment referral and information service through their national helpline.
- Rutgers Students: Call Counseling, Alcohol & Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) to access counseling services at 848-932-7884. For non-immediate support you can always submit a question to CAPS through the Rutgers Student Health Contact Form.
Resources to help you better understand substance use and you:
You and Substance Use: This booklet was developed by Here to Help to help you
better understand your relationship with the substances you use and change that
relationship should you wish to do so. Also available as a PDF!
Substance Use Information from The Jed Foundation: Learn more about alcohol and drug misuse, warning signs, harm reduction strategies, and ways to get help or support others.
NIDA Scientists Virtual Q+A on Substance Use and Addiction
Rutgers Undergraduate Student Resource Guide
We encourage you to download the Rutgers Undergraduate Student Resource Guide for a comprehensive list of resources to support you throughout your college experience.