1. The Role of State, Community, and Institutional Policy in the Prevention of College Alcohol Problems. Prevention Updates
- Author
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Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention (ED), Davidson, Laurie, and DeJong, Christene
- Abstract
The most widespread health and safety problem on college and university campuses in the United States today is high-risk alcohol use and related consequences. The heavy, episodic use of alcohol that 44 percent of college students engage in results in a myriad of consequences for both drinkers and nondrinkers, ranging from disturbed study and vandalism to assault and even death. Alcohol use may have a significant impact on student retention as well. Campus administrators perceive that approximately 27 percent of all dropouts are related to alcohol and other drugs. Recent reports also confirm that alcohol use has significant adverse effects on cities and towns surrounding colleges and universities. Many college administrators and community members realize that there is no single cause of students' heavy alcohol use and therefore no single remedy for the problem. A comprehensive approach is required, one that addresses multiple levels of influence. Individual factors and group processes influence drinking behavior, and strategies to address these two levels are part of a comprehensive approach. This publication aims to encourage campus administrators in a state to work together to introduce policies that make the environment less supportive of high-risk alcohol use. Beginning with a general definition of policy, it goes on to review specific alcohol policy options cited in recent reviews of the scientific literature. It also suggests concrete actions that campus administrators can take to encourage key stakeholders, including policymakers, to review existing policy and serve as catalysts for change. (Contains 2 tables and 9 online resources.)
- Published
- 2004