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Alcohol & Drugs

Introduction to Substance Abuse Prevention, Assessment, and Recovery Services

Welcome to our services. Pepperdine University recognizes the dangers and potential academic impact of the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. The Counseling Center strives to provide education and services, when appropriate, for all students. For many, college is a time of exploration and new freedoms. As a result of these freedoms, some students experiment with or begin to use and abuse alcohol and other drugs. We also recognize that some students may arrive to campus with a history of using drugs and alcohol and already have dependency issues, including those students who are active in their recovery process.

For students with concerns about drug and alcohol use and abuse, the Counseling Center offers assessment, consultation, education programs, counseling, recovery support, and community referrals as needed, all with respect to students' confidentiality. Please call 310.506.4210 for further information.

Alcohol and Other Drug Assessment and Counseling

Students are invited to visit the Counseling Center for free, confidential assessment and counseling services. Some students benefit from more intensive counseling services off-campus. Finally, many students benefit from self-help groups held off-campus sponsored by the following organizations. The Counseling Center also offers a Recovery Peer Support Group, visit our group page.

Pepperdine Recovery Peer Support Group

Get the support you need for your alcohol or drug recovery. Share your experiences, get connected with your peers, and know that you are not alone. Visit our group page.

Information and Resources

  Signs and Symptoms of an Alcohol or Drug Problem

The signs and symptoms of a drug or alcohol problem are not always easy to recognize. Since most drug or alcohol problems develop over time, we may not notice subtle changes within ourselves or others as easily as if they would have occurred overnight. Some common signs and symptoms of an alcohol or drug problem include:

  • Continuing to use a substance after it has caused problems or negative experiences in one or more important areas of life, such as physical health, mental health, social relationships, academics, and daily functioning.
  • A person struggling with an addiction will often display changes in their mood and behaviors, such as withdrawal or social isolation, increased irritability or moodiness, hiding their use, or being secretive about their use.
  Signs of Alcohol Poisoning
  • Slowed or irregular breathing
  • Inability to wake up
  • Cold or clammy skin
  • Vomiting
  • Inability to answer basic questions or walk without assistance

In a medical emergency call 911

If you are unsure if it is a medical emergency, call DPS at 310.506.4441 or call your RA/RD

  Where to Get Support
  • Pepperdine Counseling Center — Students are invited to visit the Counseling Center for free, confidential assessment and counseling services. Some students benefit from more intensive counseling services off-campus. Finally, many students benefit from self-help groups held off-campus sponsored by the following organizations. The Counseling Center also offers a Recovery Peer Support Group, visit our group page.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous — Alcoholics Anonymous ®, otherwise known as AA, is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. You can find the location and times of local meetings by visiting this website. AA meetings in the Malibu areas can be found here. 
  • Narcotics Anonymous — Similar to AA, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is designed to help people with problems related to drug use/misuse.

    Locations and meeting times can be found by visiting the website.

  • Alanon/Alateen — Al-Anon (which includes Alateen for younger members) offers hope and help to families and friends of alcoholics. It is estimated that each alcoholic affects the lives of at least four other people; alcoholism is truly a family disease. No matter what relationship you have with an alcoholic, whether they are still drinking or not, all who have been affected by someone else's drinking can find solutions that lead to serenity in the Al-Anon/Alateen fellowship. Los Angeles County meetings can be found at http://www.alanonla.org.

  • SAMHSA Treatment Locator — 1-800-662-HELP (4357) 

  Helping a Friend
  • Express our concern
  • Talk to them when they are sober/clean
  • Be factual about what behavior you have observed
  • Avoid sharing opinions; Stick to the facts!
  • Talk with someone such as a staff member or RA.
  • Consult with a counselor or staff member
  • Offer to connect them to the Counseling Center for a confidential alcohol and drug assessment
  • Follow-up/Check back with your friend.
  Information for Parents

Talking with your student is very important - especially if you have reason to believe they may be using and/or abusing alcohol or other drugs. Some key things to consider as you initiate these conversations.

  • Sharing your care and concern. Be factual and straightforward about the concern that has developed. 
  • Discuss expectations regarding:
    • Attending class
    • Drinking and driving
    • Financial responsibility
    • Study time vs. social time
    • How you will stay in touch
  • Ask questions:
    • Tell me about how things are going?
    • How are you handling the stress of college? What are you doing to cope?
    • What can we do to help?
  Other Resources and Screening Tools