UW–Madison alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention efforts are coordinated by UHS as part of Prevention and Campus Health Initiatives. Our prevention efforts focus on building the capacity of the campus community to create a culture of health and wellbeing by influencing campus systems, structures, policies, and environments.
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Our Focus Areas
Alcohol
We work to decrease high-risk alcohol use among UW–Madison students, as well as reduce the negative consequences of high-risk alcohol use that affect the UW–Madison community.
Tobacco
We work to reduce student tobacco and nicotine use, including all types of tobacco, including cigarettes, vapes, and oral nicotine pouches, and we strive to become a tobacco-free campus.
Other Drugs
We work to prevent overdose and other drug-related harms through education and campus-wide harm reduction efforts.
Our Approach
UHS utilizes the Spectrum of Prevention to create a comprehensive strategy that addresses complex societal issues, such as high-risk drinking, in order to shift both behaviors and cultures. We take an intersectional approach to these issues, understanding that alcohol and drug use also connect to other issues that affect our campus community.
We achieve this by collecting data, reducing risk factors, promoting protective factors, and collaborating with campus and community partners to implement and evaluate evidence-based policies, programs, and services.
An overview of our Alcohol and Drug Prevention Program is provided in the 2022–2024 Biennial Review.
Education, Tools, and Resources
Learn About Alcohol
AlcoholEdu is an online course that educates about the impacts of alcohol to support healthy decisions.
This course is required for all incoming first-year and transfer students. If you are not an incoming student but would like access to the course, please email alcoholedu@uhs.wisc.edu.
Assess Your Relationship with Substances
Take a free online quiz through eCheckup to examine your relationship with alcohol or cannabis:
Find Your Social Zone
Your “Social Zone” means practicing safer drinking strategies so you stay physically and mentally present in your surroundings.
Use a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Calculator to know how alcohol affects you. Your Social Zone is a BAC of under 0.06.
Recovery Support
Badger Recovery
Badger Recovery offers recovery meetings, social events, and coaching for students recovering from substance use, disordered eating, and addictive behaviors.
UHS Substance Use Support
In a confidential and non-judgmental space UHS mental health providers work collaboratively with students to identify their readiness to make changes in their relationships with alcohol and/or other substances.
Campus Policies and Information
Campus Policies
Amnesty Through Responsible Action
Amnesty Through Responsible Action is a policy that helps you make a call for medical help for a friend, without worrying about effects on your conduct record. Learn more about how it works.
More Information
For Parents and Family Members
The Navigating College Culture Guide provides tips and resources for having conversations with your student about alcohol, drugs, sexual assault, and mental health.
For Campus Partners
Looking to support a safer campus environment? Our team can provide training, consultation, and support for your organization or department.