NIAAA’s Task Force on College Drinking Releases Report

by LaTonya Wesley, Public Policy Office

On April 9, 2002, the National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA) released its report on College Drinking entitled “A Call to Action: Changing the Culture of Drinking at U.S. Colleges,” the first report from its Task Force on College Drinking.  The goals of the Task Force are to provide accurate scientific data, advise researchers on gaps in knowledge, and make recommendations to address the drinking issue. These recommendations include, but are not limited to intervention, treatment and evaluation of programs.

Twenty-four commissioned papers have been produced by the panel members and will be available through the newly launched website: www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov. The website provides interactive educational materials and other resources to address the ongoing problem. For example, the website features calculators to find out the cost of heavy drinking, blood alcohol content, and the effects of prolonged high risk drinking on various organ systems. The recommendations of the Task Force are not a “magic bullet cure” for this growing epidemic, but a means to intervene and incorporate prevention and treatment programs on college campuses nationwide. It is also a valuable resource to educate college presidents, parents, prospective students, and the community on how they can get involved.

NIAAA has allocated $8 million to fund a range of activities related to the Task Force recommendations including congressional briefings, regional workshops, and advertising initiatives. The Task Force stresses to community leaders, college presidents, parents, bar owners, and most importantly students, that it takes a group effort to eliminate the negative consequences of high risk college drinking. This report was well-timed as April was designated National Alcohol Awareness Month.

For more information visit the National Institute on Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse website at www.niaaa.nih.gov.

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