Multi-Tiered Programs Studied to Curb Binge Drinking on College Campuses
A drinking culture on campus is nothing new, yet binge drinking activities put lives at risk. As a result of this heighted risk, colleges and universities are implementing their own programs to try and discourage the activity.
A recent Science Daily release focused on the efforts of an Indiana University study. This study examined the efforts of the institution to try and stem binge drinking and change the culture among its students. After 2.5 years of new programs, the results are positive.
The study shows that after new programs were implemented, freshman living on campus consumed significantly less alcohol and participated in significantly fewer binge drinking activities.
To accomplish such results, the program attacked the problem at three levels: individual, peer and environmental. Educational campaigns throughout the community and university resources contributed to a positive outcome.
According to the Task Force of the National Advisory Council on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, to significantly reduce drinking on college campuses, the culture would need to be changed at all three levels. College administrators and researchers are advocating this approach, yet conclusive data still needs to be gathered from successful programs.
The Indiana University study found that the average number of drinks consumed by week dropped by 15.9 percent for freshman and 7.5 percent in the comparison group. The number of students who drank at least once a week declined by 17.5 percent in the freshman group, and 6.7 percent in the comparison group. Binge drinking activities among the freshman group declined by 12.2 percent and 1 percent for the comparison group.
