What strategies have been proven through research?

Question:

What strategies have been proven through research?

Answer:

  • In 1999, the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) released data on how coalitions can bring about positive changes to prevent substance abuse in community settings, demonstrating how such prevention efforts can bring about change in the environment through regulations and policy. A key component to successful efforts was the formation of coalitions and linkages in a coordinated approach, with proper planning and a clear division of responsibilities. Much of the training and assistance that the Center provides helps in the planning and coordination of such community-based efforts.
  • Anecdotal evidence of the effectiveness of certain campus-based efforts offer hope through a number of environmental strategies:
    1. Social Norms Marketing has been shown to reduce high-risk drinking rather dramatically at the following schools:
      • Hobart/William Smith Colleges: high risk drinking was reduced by 21%
      • University of Arizona: high risk drinking was reduced by 21%
      • Western Washington University: high risk drinking was reduced by 20%
      • Northern Illinois University: high risk drinking was reduced by 18%.
    2. Policy changes: U Of Delaware

      3. Following a revision of campus policies, adopting parental notification, stronger penalties, and streamlining the judicial process, and through work with a campus-community coalition, U Delaware saw significant changes:

      • vandalism in residence halls down 32%
      • alcohol overdoses down 20%
      • Greek disciplinary cases down 50%
      • high-risk drinking down from 66% to 58%
      • number of abstainers increased from 6% to 16%
    3. Campus-Community Coalitions: SUNY Albany
      Through the work of a campus community coalition, a Tavern Owner Agreement outlining several areas for improvement was established, and the drinking age was more stringently enforced. Since 1990, there has been almost 100% compliance with the Tavern Owner agreement advertising guidelines, and off-campus complaint calls related to student alcohol use have gone down 89%.
    4. Responsible Beverage Service (RBS)– Studies since the mid-1980s have demonstrated that installation of certain sales and service policies and practices, supported by staff training and ongoing management reinforcement, can reduce the incidence of patrons leaving commercial alcohol outlets with BACs beyond legal limits. Evidence suggests that RBS techniques can have lead to similar health and safety results in large public settings (sports stadiums), special events (street faires, homecomings, etc.), and in social settings (student parties in private residences).

    For more information, visit the Environmental Management and Research and Reports sections of this site.

The Higher Education Center welcomes your feedback.
Please use our Suggestion Box.