Study finds that college drinking culture can change. Comprehensive research led by Dr. Dong-Chul Seo of Indiana University School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation in the USA has demonstrated that it is possible to significantly reduce binge drinking on college campuses through multi-leveled intervention campaigns. In the study, one group of freshmen living on campus were exposed to three levels of an alcohol awareness program, in which they were required to take an online class about its harms as well as interact with resident assistant peers who had received special training. The students were also placed in contact with environmental signals such as posters and information for avoiding binge drinking and not drinking before driving. Compared to a group of students living off-campus who only received environmental interventions, the on-campus freshmen group showed a significant decrease in average number of drinks, with reduced numbers also of the total freshmen drinking at least once a week compared to the previous year.

Our appreciation Dr. Seo and fellow researchers at Indiana University for your work in showing how such a multi-level approach can create lasting beneficial change. May many other campuses be motivated toward implementing similar programs for the intoxicant-free health and safety of students worldwide.