College Student Alcohol Consumption: Course and Interventions

1. College Student Alcohol Consumption: Course and Interventions Amber M. Henslee, M.S. Auburn University Health Behavior Assessment Center (HBAC) HBAC is part of the Auburn University Psychological Services Center

2. Review Class Survey Results

3. Alcohol Consumption Among Auburn University Students

4. Lifetime Prevalence Rates for Common Drugs of AbuseSpring Summer Spring Spring Summer NSDUH Drug 2003 2004 2004 2005 2005 2003 Caffeine 96% 100% 96% 98% 100% -----Nicotine 83% 84% 68% 71% 90% 70%Alcohol 98% 98% 100% 94% 97% 87%Marijuana 71% 75% 68% 61% 70% 54%Cocaine 23% 28% 36% 16% 33% 15%Methamphetamine 14% 0% 20% 5%Heroin 0% 2% 0% 2% 0% 2% LSD 27% 29% 14% 12% 27% 14%Ecstacy 33% 37% 39% 14% 33% 15%NHSDA: National Household Survey on Drug Use and Health, ages 18-25

5. Course of College Student Alcohol Use/Abuse • Alcohol use increases from high school to college • Most students “peak” at age _________ and reduce drinking thereafter • 60% of college juniors reported frequent intoxication; only 31% at 3-years post graduation (Gothom et al.,1997)

6. Risk for Developmentally Persistent Alcohol Abuse • Continued heavy use despite substantial life impairment and adverse consequences • e.g., academic problems, health, social, relationship, or family difficulties related to alcohol use. • Failure to achieve young adult developmental milestones, e.g., college degree, career job, long-term relationship. • High tolerance • _______ family history • Co-morbid psychological disorder • Male gender

7. Intervention Approaches • Traditional Disease or A.A. Model: • Alcoholism is a physical/moral “disease” and the only “cure” is abstinence • “Alcoholics” must accept this label and admit that they are powerless over alcohol • Treatment is ________ and focused on breaking through denial and achieving abstinence • Students are told that problem drinking is progressive and will inevitably get worse • Treatment often entails a long stay in an inpatient or outpatient facility

8. Intervention Approaches • Biopsychosocial and Harm-Reduction Model • Alcohol use is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors (mostly social in college). • There exists a ________ of drinking problems (most students with problems have mild-moderate problems). • Labels are not important; individuals do have power to change • Change is most likely to result from supportive rather than confrontational approach • Moderation or Harm Reduction goals are appropriate

9. BASICS: • Brief • Alcohol • Screening and • Intervention for • College • Students

10. What does BASICS really mean? • It’s specially designed for _____________ • We understand how hard it is to fit in • We understand how hard it is to keep good grades • We understand the pressures of Greek life, Athletics & Other Activities • BASICS is tailored for you! • It is not a “Just Say No” approach!

11. What does BASICS focus on? • Increasing __________ to make positive changes about drinking behavior • Providing education about alcohol • Not judging • Being supportive

12. Who benefits from BASICS? • Anyone who… • Keeps drinking despite negative consequences • Has tolerance or withdrawal symptoms • Has had trouble cutting down on their drinking • Has passed out or blacked out from alcohol • Drinks more than 4-5 drinks in a setting • Anyone with questions about their drinking behaviors

13. Where do BASICS clients come from? • People get referred for legal or academic problems • The health center and counseling center make referrals • Far fewer people come on their own • We would love more! • Positive peer pressure & talking to friends can be the most effective HBAC referral!

14. What will YOU do? • Participate in a motivational interview session • Get ___________ about your drinking from an individual session with a counselor • Total time investment is about 3 hours!

15. What will YOU get? • A completely FREE & CONFIDENTIAL service • Information on your drinking and how it relates to: • Other Auburn students • ___________ • Calories consumed and weight gain • Money spent • Time spent

16. Blood Alcohol Content (135 lb. female)

17. Calories Consumed from Alcohol

18. Positive Aspects of Drinking: • Relaxed • Outgoing • Fun • Feelings of euphoria / happiness

19. Negative Aspects of Drinking • Getting sick

20. Negative Aspects of Drinking • Embarrassing yourself

21. Negative Aspects of Drinking • Gaining weight

22. Negative Aspects of Drinking • Poor Judgment • Doing something risky or regrettable

23. Tips for Maximizing the Positive Aspects of Drinking • Be sure you know what you are drinking! • A __________ is 12 oz. of beer, 5 oz. of wine, or 1 oz. of hard liquor • A mixed drink can contain up to 4 oz. of liquor

24. Tips for Maximizing the Positive Aspects of Drinking • Drink slowly • Drink light beer • Plan your night in advance • Be safe about where you drink and who you drink with • Don’t drink and drive

25. Tips for Maximizing the Positive Aspects of Drinking • Think about how drinking impacts other life areas: • Academics • Health • Relationships • How does drinking relate to your ________? • How else could you spend the time you currently spend drinking and recovering?

26. Health Behavior Assessment Center (HBAC) • Provides AU students with FREE and CONFIDENTIAL alcohol use evaluation along with detailed personal drinking feedback and advice. • To set up appointment call 844-4823 * HBAC is part of the Auburn University Psychological Services Center and is supported by grant from the US Department of Education