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These resources were curated by the Substance Use Mitigation Team and are intended to help Purdue faculty and staff's interactions with students. We hope you find the information helpful when prmoting well-being in your classrooms and conversations. In need of a resource not listed below? Tell us more about what would help you promote harmful substance use reduction by filling out this form.
Regardless of the topic of conversation, there are some tools you can use to best show a student support. Watch the video below for some conversational tips. Then read some of the tips below.
Click to watch a video on conversational tips.
When supporting a student, try to use as many of these tips:
Sleep plays a vital role in both mental and physical health. Share the sleep tips below with students to help them understand the importance of good sleep habits:
Sometimes a student may approach you after a big life event. You can use the tips from the office of the Dean of Students when supporting such a student.
Use this infographic for basic talking points when discussing stress with a student. Remember that you do not have to be the expert, just someone willing to listen and refer when needed.
This self-care guide can lead students through reflections on stress management and lead to conversation topics.
Encourage students to use the self-help resources provided by CAPS.
If you want more talking points (and tips for improving your own relationship to stress!) check out the below video.
Talking to a student about substance use can seem daunting. Luckily, CAPS has great guidance for having successful conversations.
The below table highlights some helpful language to use when having supporting conversations about substance use disorders.
| Negative Connotations |
Instead, Consider Using |
| "Druggie, addict, user, junkie, abuser" | "Person with substance use disorder" |
| "Drug habit" | "Disease" |
| "Ex-addict" | "Person living in recovery" |
| "Drug offender" | "Person arrested for a drug violation" |
| "Hooked" | "Substance dependent" |
| "Medication is a crutch" | "Medication is a treatment tool" |
| "Relapsed" | "Had a set back" |
| "Stayed clean/clean" | "Maintained recovery" |
| "Dirty drug screen" | "Positive drug screen" |
For your own well-being when having these conversations, remember:
Request a Purdue RecWell well-being presentation for your class. RecWell staff will present over a topic of your choice. Potential topics include stress, finances, nutrition, sleep, and much more. Click here to get started.
With the launch of the Steps to Leaps Perspective Project in Fall 2023, Purdue instructors (tenure-track, clinical, lecturers) have the opportunity to receive resources and support to more actively integrate the S2L pillars into two of their courses. Integrating well-being content and reflection into your courses can positively contribute to the overall campus climate.
Click to learn more about the Perspective Project and how to apply.
Listen and explore essential topics that help you stay informed about mental health and substance use on Purdue's West Lafayette campus. Get tips on supporting Boilermakers and become more familiar with campus services.
Steps to Leaps offers many well-being tips for personal use and for sharing with others. You can subscribe to the Steps to Leaps newsletter to stay updated on well-being intiatives and reserach opportunities.