CSU rehab program recognized nationally

CSU’s drug and alcohol abuse treatment program, Day IV, is being

used as a model for universities around the country.

The multi-phase program monitors and supervises students with

substance-abuse problems. The first phase focuses on abstaining

from substance use; the second on personal and leadership

development; and the third phase requires students to get involved

in a volunteer program.

The National Association of Drug Court Professionals and

representatives from other universities recently visited CSU to

learn about Day IV, an innovative alcohol and substance-abuse

program that offers students rehabilitative treatment rather than

expulsion.

“It is a novel idea. There are people who come to college with

drug- and alcohol-dependency problems,” said Lisa Miller, assistant

director of Conflict Resolution and Student Conduct Services at

CSU. “When students are found responsible for violating the student

code of conduct they become a part of the Day IV program. Past

programs were like a revolving door. As soon as an abuser got out

of prison they would re-offend and end up back in prison. Day IV

breaks that cycle. It provides an opportunity for treatment.”

Miller said recent alcohol-related problems at CSU did not

affect recognition of the program.

“Last year the program was recognized by the National

Association of Drug Court Professionals. One year ago they were

interested in the program but were seeking funding to promote it,”

Miller said.

The program was initiated in 2001. Cheryl Asmus, director of the

Family and Youth Institute at CSU, created the program with the

help of Judge William Dressel, president of the American Judicial

College. They modeled Day IV after a community program in Larimer

County.

“I created the program because if we were to kick the students

out on the street, that’s where they would stay. This way they have

a chance,” Asmus said.

Because the program has had a 72 percent success rate after

working with 99 students, it has drawn the attention of other

universities.

“Our program probably won’t change because of the recognition,

but it will continue to change and evolve to better serve the

students. Other national universities want to replicate the program

and they will adapt it to their specific needs,” Asmus said.

This is also the only program of its kind in the nation.

“We have the only drug court at a university. Lots of people are

very excited. We had a team of folks on campus in September looking

at the program. It was also a featured program by the National

Association of Drug Court Professionals in February. They are

currently looking to find funding to start the program at five or

six other universities,” said Anne Hudgens, executive director of

campus life.

This program is different from programs at other university

campuses because it does not expel students immediately.

“These are people who have drug or alcohol problems. They are

not criminals. The only reason most of them commit crimes is to

support their addiction,” Asmus said. “CSU is the only university

in the country that keeps students out of trouble and in school

while helping them fight their addiction.”