Substance Abuse Prevention and Education Services (SAPES)

What is SAPES?

SAPES is an intervention designed to empower students to make healthier choices by discussing the risks associated with using alcohol and drugs.

SAPES is available to all students and is mandatory for those have violated college policy regarding alcohol or other drug use. These students are referred by Area Directors (ADs), the Conduct Office, Peer Review Authority, or other campus conduct officers. Students who wish to participate voluntarily are encouraged to contact Health Promotion and Wellness. Additionally, students who have been mandated to complete an alcohol and drug education course by a municipal court may also attend the programs.

SAPES is based upon a harm reduction strategy and is designed to provide a forum in which Lewis and Clark students can engage in a meaningful, focused discussion about alcohol or other substance use. Upon completion of the program, students will possess a foundational understanding of:

a) Properties of alcohol or marijuana and their effects on the body;

b) Myths and realities associated with substance-induced effects;

c) Skills to limit the amount and severity of negative consequences that can be associated with underage and excessive alcohol or other substance use.

Overall, the programs are guided by the Community Values of Lewis and Clark College to stimulate a lasting attitude of inquiry, openness, and social responsibility.

SAPES Sessions - What to Expect

SAPES is offered at various levels depending on the specifics of a student’s conduct violation, scheduling, repeat violations and other recommendations.

SAPES Level 1

A. Informal Meeting: These one-on-one sessions are designed for students with low risk for negative consequences from substance use. They are intended to aid students in making informed decisions about their behaviors around substance use.

B. Alcohol or Cannabis Group Session: This 90 minute group session is intended for students whose behaviors are a lower risk to their health and safety. It is designed to educate students regarding substance properties and effects, challenge their perceptions and encourage a healthier approach to alcohol and drug use.

SAPES Level 2

A. Individual Meeting: This program is a one-hour individual session includes an assessment of the student’s knowledge, attitudes and behaviors around alcohol or drug usage. This meeting will outline substance properties and effects, challenging of perceptions, and tools which encourage healthier approaches toward alcohol and drug use.

B. SAPES - Alcohol: This two-session class meets for 90 minutes per session with a specific focus on alcohol. In between sessions, students are required to complete an online assessment as well as a self-monitoring exercise.

C. SAPES - Cannabis: This two-session class meets for 90 minutes each session, specifically focused upon cannabis use. Education, behavioral change and skills development for harm reduction are covered in detail. Students are required to complete an online assessment and a self-monitoring exercise between the sessions

SAPES Level 3

A. Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS): This program is a heavily focused two-session individual intervention, designed for students who drink heavily and have experienced or are at risk for alcohol-related problems.The first consists of a detailed assessment of the student’s alcohol use by the administrator, while the second entails specific individual feedback. Students must complete an online assessment and self-evaluation between the sessions. This session will provide resources and tools to motivate students toward behavior change, with a specific emphasis on eliminating or reducing the negative consequences of substance use.

SAPES Resources

SAPES Student Self Assessment - Alcohol (pdf)

SAPES Student Self Assessment - Cannabis (pdf)

Self-monitoring Chart - Alcohol (pdf)

Self-monitoring Chart - Cannabis (pdf)