NCJ Number
190737
Date Published
1998
Length
38 pages
Annotation
This document discusses the use of environmental management in alcohol and other drug (AOD) prevention at institutions of higher education.
Abstract
In a 1989 survey of college and university presidents, it was found that 67 percent rated alcohol abuse to be a “moderate” or “major” problem on their campus. Despite the concerns of college presidents, heavy episodic drinking on college campuses has often been viewed as a rite of passage for young adults. Environmental management includes a range of strategies that will change the campus and community environment in which students are making decisions about drinking and other drug use. Implementation of effective environmental strategies will only come about if there is a strong presidential leadership on the issue of alcohol and other drug prevention; a campuswide task force that includes a broad spectrum of faculty, staff, and students; engagement with the community through a campus and community coalition; and the active participation of college officials in public policy debates, especially at the State level. AOD prevention experts have learned during the past few years that the fight against AOD use cannot be put on “automatic pilot” or simply relegated to the schools alone. To ensure that students receive a consistent message about alcohol and other drugs, the entire community must remain vigilant, active, and focused. The difficulty is motivating people to do the hard work required and then to continue that effort over time, even when AOD usage trends become favorable. A very dangerous time is when policymakers or the public begin to think that the problem is solved and the public agenda turns elsewhere. 3 figures, 62 notes