Controlled Evaluation of Two Prevention Programs in Reducing Alcohol Use Among College Students at Low and High Risk for Alcohol Related Problems

• NCJ Number: 206945
• Journal: Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education Volume: 48 Issue: 1 Dated: June 2004 Pages: 13-33
• Author(s): Brad Donohue; Daniel N. Allen; Arlene Maurer; Juliette Ozols; Giuliana DeStefano
• Date Published: June 2004
• Length: 21 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This study examined two prevention programs in reducing alcohol use among college students at low- and high-risk for alcohol related problems.

Abstract

College campuses continue to be problematic settings for alcohol use and abuse. Ninety percent of all college students consume alcohol at least once a year, making it the most common substance used by students. Approximately 10 percent of college students are estimated to drink 15 or more alcoholic beverages a week, while 14 percent of undergraduates who use alcohol regularly also engage in binge drinking. This study consisted of 113 individuals who were enrolled in a university in the Southwestern United States. Their mean age was 20.56 years. Sixty-three were females and 50 were males. There were 66 freshman, 25 sophomores, 14 juniors, and 8 seniors. Participants who reported the consumption of at least one alcoholic beverage during the 30 days prior to the study were eligible to participate. Participation in the current study fulfilled course credit requirements for an entry-level psychology course. The CAGE questionnaire was administered to assess participants’ alcohol use severity. The CAGE is a four question self-report measure that assesses a range of alcohol use behaviors and symptoms. Scores on the CAGE range from 0 to 4, and a score of 1 is associated with a drinking problem. Informed consent was approved by the university’s Institutional Review Board and was obtained from all the participants. Alcohol 101 and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy were the two alcohol abuse prevention programs utilized. Post-prevention statistics revealed that the students who received the Alcohol 101 program received greater awareness of the consequences of alcohol use, as compared to those who received Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Future studies involving Alcohol 101 would enhance the generalizability of this study’s findings. Tables, references