Well-being and health  
Opportunities and agreements for students

Substance Use and Addiction: Preventive Counselling

A space for active listening, support and counselling on drugs and other addictive behaviour

Ca’ Foscari, in collaboration with the Addiction Department of the Azienda ULSS 3 Serenissima, is opening a specialised addiction counselling space on the University premises for students of all Venetian universities, faculty and staff. 

The space welcomes both those who are in a moment of difficulty and those who are looking for tools to help friends through individual meetings or, upon request, group meetings.

How you can access

The service is free access and takes place in presence and online starting on 28 April 2025.

In presence from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm:

  • every 3rd Monday of the month at the Scientific Campus in via Torino, tutoring room in the Epsilon building (in 2025: 19 May; 23 June; 21 July; 22 September; 20 October; 17 November; 1 December)
  • every 4th Monday of the month at the San Giobbe venue, classroom 13A, ground floor, plexus C (in 2025: 28 April; 26 May; 30 June - Meeting Room 6, ground floor, plexus C; 28 July; 29 September; 27 October - Room 13A; 24 November; 15 December).

Online, on the Google Meet platform, every Monday from 9 am to 11 am and from 2.30 pm to 4 pm, by reaching the following contacts:

Are you an international student and prefer to speak in English instead of Italian? Don’t worry, you can count on a tutor who will facilitate the encounter

What you can find

  • Correct information on substances, alcohol, tobacco and gambling
  • Guarantee of anonymity
  • Free listening
  • Comparison of consumption styles and habits and the associated risks 
  • Individual or group space
  • Orientation to Territorial Services            
  • Free access or by appointment, in person or online                    
  • Orientation towards the support of acquaintances 

FAQ

Do you have any questions? Try reading these FAQs, answered directly by the ULSS 3 operators you will meet in the counselling area: 

Contacting us offers a unique and free opportunity to receive support and confidential information on drugs and other addictive behaviour. If you have doubts, questions or concerns, or you simply wish to talk about your experiences, we are here to listen to you without judgement. We also offer links to professional help services. Our aim is to promote well-being and awareness, helping you to make conscious and positive decisions for your life.

It is nice that you care for a friend who faces these difficulties. Turning to the addiction prevention counselling space can be an excellent first step. Here, you can get support and advice on how to deal with the situation. We will help you understand how to speak empathetically and without judgement, encouraging this person to seek help. In this way, you can offer a message of support and useful information for those who are trying to help someone in need. It is important to remember that we can help you and that there are resources available to tackle these challenges together.

It is normal to have doubts about how much one is consuming, especially in relation to substances and alcohol. Getting in touch with us is a great way to explore these concerns. We help you reflect on your habits and identify signs that might indicate risky and/or harmful consumption. You will have access to a safe and confidential environment to discuss your experiences and receive support. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength.

Understanding whether one is “addicted” to substances/alcohol can be complex, but there are some signs to consider. If you find that you have difficulty controlling your consumption, experience withdrawal symptoms when not taking the substance, or if your daily activities, relationships or studies are affected, it may be time to reflect on these experiences. Turning to the addiction prevention counselling space can offer you an opportunity to discuss these concerns in a safe and confidential environment. We are here to help you better understand your situation and find the support you need.

Yes, you can contact us in total anonymity. Confidentiality is one of our priorities, and we strive to create a safe environment where you can express yourself freely without fear of judgement. We are here to listen to you and offer support regardless of your situation, you can feel free to share only what you want.

General information: You can ask about the different substances, their effects and the risks associated with them.

Personal support: If you are facing problems related to drug use, you can seek help and support.

Available resources: You can ask what resources or support services are available to students and how to access them.

Advice for other people: If you have a friend who needs help, you can ask how best to offer your support.

Prevention: You can ask questions on how to prevent drug use, reduce the risks of drug use and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

We are here to provide you with all the information you need! You can visit us to discuss any questions you have about drugs or addictive behaviour, without any hassle or commitment. Our aim is to inform and support, so feel free to ask what you are interested in.

Medical centres

As part of the sustainability actions aimed at enhancing the potential and promoting the well-being and health of the members of the University community, a series of agreements have been concluded with external facilities, involving medical centres, analysis laboratories, associations and cooperatives offering health care services such as laboratory tests, instrumental and specialist examinations and health education programmes with a preventive perspective.

For further information, please contact the Human Resources Organisation and Development office  organizzazione@unive.it.

Last update: 22/04/2025