Environmental Management: A Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Alcohol and Other Drug Use on College Campuses.

This guide presents a comprehensive strategy, called "environmental management," for alcohol and other drug (AOD) prevention in institutions of higher education. The environmental management approach utilizes, in addition to educational programs, changes in the physical, social, economic, and legal environment accomplished through a combination of institutional, community, and public policy change. Programs for early identification, referral, and treatment of problem drinkers are an essential part of the equation. This publication proposes a set of priority activities for colleges to consider as part of this broad-based approach to AOD prevention. Following an introduction, the first section identifies lessons from prevention research, especially the need for a comprehensive approach. The second section discusses public health aspects of the environmental management approach, with examples showing that people's behavior is shaped by their environment. The third section brings a case law perspective to environmental management and stresses institutional responsibilities under the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act. The fourth section details the environmental approach in terms of three spheres of action for AOD prevention: the campus task force, campus and community coalitions, and associations of colleges and universities. (Contains 62 references.) (DB)