Substance Abuse Prevention Program
Ralph Castro, M.S., Alcohol and Drug Educator
Call (650) 723-3429
or send an email message to [email protected].
Wellness and Health Promotion Services (HPS) empowers students to make healthy decisions about their drinking behaviors that affect themselves and the campus community as a whole. We focus on reducing the harm of high-risk behaviors while increasing safe, legal, responsible actions. We offer accurate, scientific, cutting-edge information. Our services include:
- On this page:
Individual Consultation
Students can meet privately with an alcohol educator to discuss alcohol and drug issues. This may be for personal growth, helping friends or family, class research, or options and referrals for more intense treatment.
Educational Workshops & Seminars
The popular program"Catching the Perfect Social Zone Buzz . . . without Puking" examines alcohol and its cultural role. We explore the question "Why do we drink?" and deconstruct common misperceptions and myths regarding our urge to drink. Students learn about the "Idiot Zone," "Danger Zone" and the "Social Zone." This informative and entertaining program is available to student residences and student groups.
Stanford Alcohol Education Seminar
This seminar is for students concerned about alcohol use and for those concerned about others. We focus on alcohol and may address other drugs. Students either refer themselves or are referred by a Residence Dean or other faculty or staff member. Students complete the following two-step process for this private seminar.
1. Individual Screening Assessment
An appointment is made for initial screening with an alcohol educator.
During the appointment, students discuss their drinking behavior, receive
feedback on their drinking patterns and receive a standardized behavioral
assessment. This step usually takes an hour.
2. Group Seminar
The group seminar brings all screened students together for an interactive
discussion about alcohol. We define social and abusive drinking and explore
current research in the field. We provide an exercise in which we discuss
motivations for drinking, as well as the negative consequences of alcohol
misuse. The seminar takes three hours.
Academic Coursework
Alcohol Issues and the Campus Culture
Pediatrics 116 (4 units); offered Spring Quarter
Enrollment by permission of instructor Ralph Castro
This course educates Stanford students about alcohol-related health and wellness issues for the Stanford community.
Volunteer Opportunities
We have a variety of ways for students to be involved in health programs, projects and activities. Get involved!