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Substance Abuse Prevention and Education

STIR Screening & Intervention

The Students Taking Initiative & Responsibility (STIR) Screening & Intervention Program is built to provide you with tools to reduce high-risk alcohol and cannabis use and related consequences.

What is STIR?

STIR is a personalized coaching program focused on harm reduction and prevention. You will take a substance use assessment designed to provide a deeper understanding of the factors that influence your relationship with drugs and alcohol. The next step will be to attend three confidential one-on-one sessions with your coach, who is there to offer insight and encouragement as you complete the program.

After you have completed all three sessions, your STIR coach will assess your progress and determine whether you may benefit from further sessions or referrals to other services.

Your first session will be 60 – 75 minutes.

Your coach will get to know you and your substance use patterns. You will complete an assessment, which will give you a personalized report of your habits. At the end of the session, your coach will ask you to monitor your substance use and keep a record of it.

Your second session will be 60 – 75 minutes, two to three weeks after your first session.

Your coach will give you personalized feedback, and discuss obstacles and progress. You will discuss solutions for any challenges you've encountered since your first appointment, and form goals for low-risk behavior.

Your third session will be 15 – 30 minutes, about a month after your second session.

This is a brief check-in with your coach. You'll discuss any concerns and complete an exit survey. Your case will likely be closed after this meeting, but your coach may recommend more services or sessions, depending on your situation.

If you have been referred to the STIR Program by Student Conduct, you will be charged a $100 fee. This fee can be paid at the Bursar's Office, located at 1244 Blossom St. 

Sessions are held in-person in the Carolina Coliseum room 4001.

To find us, enter from the Blossom Street side, at ground level. 

Court appointments and classes are the only acceptable reasons to reschedule your appointment.

You must notify us at least 24 hours ahead of time and reschedule your appointment within seven business days.

If you miss an appointment, your account will be placed on hold until you attend a scheduled session.

If you miss two appointments, you may be charged a Failure to Comply fee and/or referred to a treatment center for assessment.

How do I start?

Students can refer themselves into the STIR program at any time—get started here. Self-referred students do not pay the program fee, and services are offered at no cost.

Still have questions?

Get detailed information about making your appointments and completing the program by downloading our STIR Policies [pdf].

Refer a Student

We value all members of our Carolina Community. If you are concerned about a student's behavior, including alcohol and drug use, take action and refer them to the Student Care and Outreach Team. 

Following this kind of referral, our STIR coaches can reach out to offer no-cost supportive services to the student.

Substance Abuse Prevention and Education


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