Alcohol and Other Drug Use among College Students in New York State: Findings From a Statewide College Survey (1996).

New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, 1450 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203-3526.

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69

Department of Education, Washington, DC.

Alcohol Abuse; Alcohol Education; College Students; Drug Abuse; Higher Education; Illegal Drug Use; Marijuana; School Policy; Student Attitudes; Student Behavior; Student Characteristics; Substance Abuse; Tables (Data); Tobacco

This survey examined alcohol and other drug use among full- and part-time undergraduate students from 18 colleges in New York State. Students (n=4,646) completed questionnaires on demographics; working and living arrangements; academics; perceptions of campus substance abuse policies; drinking behavior and substance abuse patterns; and consequences of use. The study found that alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana were the primary substances used; 81 percent of students reported using alcohol, 46 percent used tobacco, and 34 percent used marijuana. Sections of the report discuss subgroups in the college population that show the highest rates of use (by student characteristic, by region of college location); the widespread practice of binge drinking; measures of all substance use (excluding tobacco); behavioral consequences of alcohol and other drug use (public misconduct, serious personal problems); students' perceptions of substance use (self-reported substance use, how often other students used various substances); perceptions of close friends' views about alcohol or other drug use; and students' perceptions of risk to themselves. In comparing the findings of this study with a 1979 study, dramatic declines were noted in alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine use rates. A final section of the report offers suggestions for prevention programs. The survey questionnaire, information on methodology, and data tables are appended. (SM)

2001

ED443352