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Task Force Releases College Drinking Statistics, Recommendations
Research providing new estimates of the toll college-aged drinking takes in the United States was released on April 9 by the Task Force of the National Advisory Council on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
The data indicate that drinking by college students aged 18-24 contributes to an estimated 1,400 student deaths, 500,000 injuries and 70,000 cases of sexual assault or date rape every year -- despite the fact that the legal drinking age in all states has been raised to 21.
Release of these findings is only one facet of the Task Force's comprehensive "town and gown" call to action against problem drinking among college students. Specific recommendations are also included for administrators, educators, researchers, members of the law enforcement community, students and the concerned public.
The pivotal role of promoting behavioral change in altering the culture of college drinking is reiterated throughout the Task Force's observations and recommendations -- simultaneously confirming the contributions made by the biobehavioral community and helping to ensure its participation in future efforts.
The Task Force's final report, "A Call to Action: Changing the Culture of Drinking at U.S. Colleges" is essential reading for anyone who is concerned about this public health problem, especially those who do not yet appreciate the behavioral aspects of both the problem and its solution.
But for members of the biobehavioral community, the real "must reads" are the two companion reports issued by Task Force panels: "High-Risk Drinking in College" and "How to Reduce High-Risk College Drinking." Both pose specific questions and challenges that the Task Force believes must be addressed in order to change patterns of alcohol use and abuse on college campuses -- many specifically addressing the promotion of healthy behaviors. These volumes provide a wealth of ideas for those seeking the support they need to catalyze change in the culture of college drinking, either by finding new ways to apply proven strategies or by filling research gaps.
To access these and related publications from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, go to www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/Reports on the Task Force's new Web site. (Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.)
To access "Targeting the At-Risk Drinker with Screening and Advice," a comprehensive briefing issued by CFAH in January 2001, go to www.cfah.org.
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