BASICS Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention of College Students

OutcomesOn average, students who drinkheavily as freshmen tend to reportfew negative consequences over timeas the reasons for drinking diminishor change. However, those whoreceived BASICS reported fewer consequencesand more rapid change.The risk period for young adults maythus be minimized through this briefintervention. Other independentstudies suggest that receivingpersonal feedback is a critical part ofthe BASICS program. Those receivinggeneral alcohol education withoutthe feedback did not fare as well asthose receiving BASICS.Changes in alcohol-use related negativeconsequences experienced by college studentsreceiving BASICS and comparison groupsNegative consequencesexperienced by students1.30.80.3-0.2Normative Comparison GroupHigh-Risk Comparison GroupBASICS GroupBaseline 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 YearNormative comparison group: students not involved in heavy drinkingHigh-risk comparison group: heavy drinkers not receiving the BASICSinterventionTARGET POPULATIONBASICS was designed for college students 18 to 24 years old who drinkheavily and have experienced negative consequences as a result. The programis not designed for students who are alcohol dependent, but it can beused as part of a stepped-care approach for assessment, advice, and referralto specialty care. BASICS has been evaluated with non–treatment-seekingstudents in large, traditional university settings but may be tailored for usewith young adults in other settings such as the military.BENEFITS• Increases students’ awareness of the risks associated with alcohol use• Fosters safer alcohol-use choices such as when, where, and how muchto drink• Young adults gain increased awareness of alcohol-impaired choices thatcan lead to health problems, social difficulties, and/or legal problemsHOW IT WORKSAs a harm reduction approach, BASICS aims to motivate students to reducerisky behaviors rather than focus on a specific drinking goal such as abstinenceor reduced drinking. Students can be identified through routinescreening or through referral from medical, housing, or disciplinary services.There are two 50-minute interviews. Before or after the first interview, thestudent receives a self-report questionnaire to complete. From the questionnaireand the first interview, information is gathered about the student’s—• Alcohol consumption pattern• Personal beliefs about alcohol• Understanding of social alcohol norms• Family historyThe second interview, which occurs approximately 1 week after the initialinterview, provides the student with—• Personalized feedback on myths about alcohol’s effects• Facts on alcohol norms• Ways to reduce future risks associated with alcohol use• A menu of options to assist in making changesIMPLEMENTATION ESSENTIALSBASICS can be implemented in a variety of settings, including universityhealth and mental health centers, residential units, and administrativeoffices. Private offices are needed for confidential interviews.SAMHSA Model Programs • http://model