Implementing the NIAAA Recommendations: A Comprehensive Approach to Prevention
William DeJong, Ph.D.
Boston University School of Public Health
and
Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention
Summary Slide
Implementing the NIAAA Recommendations: A Comprehensive Approach to Prevention
A Call to Action
Presents clear and convincing evidence on the true scope of the problem and its consequences -Action is needed
Offers guidance on how institutions of higher education should proceed with a prevention agenda -Here is what to do next
Key Recommendations
Comprehensive approach to address the culture of drinking
Reliance on research-based solutions
Integration of evaluation research into program and policy planning
Conduct of new research to address current gaps in knowledge
Proven Strategies for the General Population
Increased enforcement of minimum drinking age laws
Programs and enforcement of laws to reduce alcohol-impaired driving
Restrictions on alcohol retail outlet density
Increased prices and higher excise taxes on alcoholic beverages
Responsible beverage service policies
Additional Promising Strategies
Increased enforcement at campus-based events
Increased publicity about enforcement of underage drinking laws
Consistent disciplinary actions for policy violations
Parental notification regarding policies and infractions
Campus-based strategies to reduce high-risk alcohol use (e.g., banning alcohol)
Regulation of happy hours and sales
Social norms campaigns to correct student misperceptions about drinking
“Safe ride” programs
Major Implications
Prevention must go beyond traditional programs to address environmental factors
College officials must take an active role in giving shape to a campus and community environment that helps students make healthier decisions
Formation of campus and community coalitions is the most promising vehicle for promoting environmental change
Message to the Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention:
Stay the Course
Environmental Factors Contributing to Alcohol Problems
Widespread belief that college alcohol and other drug abuse is the norm
Aggressive alcohol promotions targeting college students
Easy availability of inexpensive alcohol
Unstructured free time for many students
Inconsistently enforced laws and policies
Environmental Strategies
Create an environment that supports health-promoting norms
Restrict marketing and promotion of alcoholic beverages
Limit alcohol availability and access
Offer social, recreational, public service, and other extracurricular options
Develop and enforce campus policies and local, state, and federal laws
Institutionalization: Building a Prevention Infrastructure
Environmental strategies
Campus
Community
State/Federal Policy
Prevention infrastructure
Permanent campus task force
Campus/community coalitions
Regional and state initiatives
Infrastructure Development
Goal:
Statewide initiatives in all 50 states
Rationale:
Develop statewide leadership
Stimulate public and private funding
Create campus/community coalitions
Speak out on state-level policy
Presidential Leadership
Be Vocal
Openly and publicly acknowledge that alcohol and other drug abuse problems exist and must be addressed
Be Visible
Take an active stand on alcohol and other drug issues
Convey clear expectations and standards
Serve as a role model to other senior administrators, faculty, and students.
Be Visionary
Make alcohol and other drug abuse prevention a priority in the school’s strategic plan
Reach out to community and state-level groups to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for prevention
Motivating Presidential Leadership
Getting Past Sources of Resistance
Mythology
The vast majority of college students drink heavily.
-“At our school, students work hard and play hard.”
Testing limits with alcohol is a “rite of passage.”
-“I drank when I was in college. It’s just part of growing up.”
The Facts
Each Year College Drinking Causes:
1,400 student deaths
500,000 unintentional injuries
600,000 assaults
70,000 sexual assaults/acquaintance rapes
Fatalism
Nothing can be done to reduce college student drinking problems.
-“We’ve been working on this problem for years, but we haven’t made any progress.”
-“Students come here with drinking problems, so what do you expect us to do?”
-“If students want to drink, they’re going to drink.”
The Facts
The age 21 law works, despite its imperfect enforcement