Daniel W. Morrissey
Advisor in Residence

Office: Bard Hall, Room 102
Email: dwm3@columbia.edu
Phone: (212) 305-3989
Fax: (212) 305-0428

AI:MS (Addiction Illness : Medical Solutions) began in 1986 when a student died from an untreated addiction disease. Students asked for a new way to address their questions about lifestyles which may put them at risk. Under the supervision of Daniel Morrissey, AI:MS is a safe place for students to raise concerns about alcohol, drugs, eating disorders, computer usage, and other compulsive behavior with elected peer representatives rather than with faculty or administrators.

AI:MS hears a variety of student concerns. For example:

• My roommate drinks every day, but he says it’s not a problem because he has not failed anything.
• Twice I’ve had to bring a friend home after a party. She doesn’t remember anything she did. She says she can take care of it herself and that it’s not my business.
• I spend a few hours every night on line playing poker.
• The balance on my credit card is now in five figures.
• When I told my roommate I didn’t like the way he used drugs, he reminded me that he got honors in Pharm and that he knew exactly what he was doing.
• I want to stop smoking.

What AI:MS can do

AI:MS members are here primarily to listen. AI:MS does not diagnose or treat, but provide triage to professional therapy. AI:MS is a bridge to specialists who are trained in the treatment and care of many different forms of dependency. These therapists can help prevent abuse from growing into serious addiction. AI:MS can help a student find a professional evaluation and advice, off campus if desired. AI:MS will pay the expenses involved.

Confidentiality

When people say they do not know the names of those who have used AI:MS, that is because of the importance of confidentiality. All contact with AI:MS is in total confidence. The only possible exception would be a case of imminent serious danger to individual safety. That instance is most rare. AI:MS is not affiliated in any way with the Dean’s Office. It does not receive any funding from the Dean’s Office and keeps no records. AI:MS cannot refer students for disciplinary action. Communication with the Dean could be initiated only if a student’s health and well-being were in immediate jeopardy, and even then only after extensive discussion with the student.

How to reach AI:MS

Each class has several representatives, elected by their peers for a four-year term. Their 24/7 contact information is in the AI:MS section of the Student Resources website (http://columbia.edu/cu/aims/contactus.html) Daniel Morrissey both lives and has his office in Bard Hall so that students may reach him on campus at almost any time. His office hours are posted on the door of Bard 102, and he will also make appointments at students’ convenience.