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Reducing binge drinking among college students
As college campuses nationwide grapple
with the problem of binge drinking, UTEP researchers
are reporting success with a unique
program that has significantly reduced the
dangerous practice among its students.
The Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention
for College Students, or BASICS, program
assesses students’ drinking habits and identifies
those who are or are at risk of becoming
binge drinkers.
After learning how to properly monitor their
drinking, drink in moderation and avoid situations
that result in overdrinking, the number
of students in the BASICS program considered
at-risk for binge drinking dropped by two-thirds,
says Joseph W. Tomaka, Ph.D., a health promotion
associate professor and director of the
university’s BASICS program.
“The impact our program has had has
been very encouraging,” says Tomaka. “Our
message is that it’s best not to drink, but if
you’re going to do it, do it knowing the facts
and drink safely, responsibly.”
Joseph W. Tomaka, Ph.D.
“We believe that our project can
become a model for the way that
college campuses provide intervention
services for risky alcohol use, both
nationally and among campuses with
high Hispanic enrollments.”
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