The EKU Counseling Center staff is always available for consultation. If you would like more information on helping a friend deal with an alcohol or drug problem contact us at 859-622-1303 or stop by Room 571 Whitlock Building.
Help and Information
Alcohol Abuse and Crisis Intervention: 1-800-234-0246
Alcohol Accredited Treatment Programs and 24 hour helpline of Focus Healthcare: 1-800-234-0420 or 1-800-283-2600
American Council for Drug Education: 1-800-488-DRUG
AA Bluegrass Area Central Office: 1-800-467-8019
Al-Anon/Alateen: 859-277-1877
Alcohol Abuse 24-Hour Addiction Services of Focus Healthcare: 1-800-274-2042
Narcotics Anonymous: 859-253-4673
What to Say to Others
Say what you see. Describe to your friends how they were acting when they were drunk. Stick to their behavior and do not label it or judge it. For example: “Last night you fell down three times on the way back to the dorm…”, or, “Last night you were really loud and you picked a fight with that guy down the hall.”
Say what you feel. Approach your friend from a place of caring and concern. Let them know that you don’t want to see them get hurt and that you feel scared… hurt…angry…sad…whatever…when you see them engage in certain behaviors when they are drunk.
Say what you know. Share with them information that you know to be true about drinking. Correct their misperceptions about alcohol use on campus. Give them brochures, etc. (free brochures and other self-help information can be found at the Counseling Center information stand, Room 571 Student Services Building).
Say where your boundaries are. Hold them accountable for their actions when drunk. Make the choice not to enable them through covering up or cleaning up. For example: “I’m not holding your head over the toilet again.”
Say why there is hope. Offer to talk with your friends about their concerns. Offer your support and encouragement if they want to make changes in their drinking habits. Let them know that change is possible and that you believe in them.
Where to Go if You Need Help for Yourself or a Friend
Ridge Behavioral Health System: 3050 Rio Dosa Drive, Lexington 1-800-753-4673 or 859-269-2325
Good Samaritan Center for Behavioral Health (UK Good Samaritan Hospital): 310 S. Limestone St., Lexington 1-800-776-2673
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Al-Anon
Dry Dock, 262 Four Mile Rd., Richmond, KY, 859-624-3808
AA Bluegrass Area Central Office: 1-800-467-8019
AA Central Office in Lexington: 859-276-2917
Al-Anon/Alateen (for friends and families of individuals who have drinking problems): 859-277-1877
Note: The Lexington AA program offers two, “young peoples” meetings every week. Tuesdays, 8:30 pm: Saint Augustine’s Church, 472 Rose Street. Wednesdays, 5:00 pm: The Newman Center at the University of Kentucky, 320 Rose Lane
