BOOZE CALLED BIGGER CAMPUS WOE THAN DRUGS

WASHINGTON (AP) The president of Pennsylvania State University says
binge drinking is an even bigger problem on college campuses than
illegal drugs.

"We don't want to say that drug use is no longer a problem, but the
truth is we don't see nearly as much of it as excess consumption of
alcohol,'' Graham Spanier told the National Press Club. "Alcohol has
been the drug of choice on campuses today.''

While universities have always had a drinking student population,
Spanier said Thursday, the ones who do drink are doing so more heavily
and more frequently.

He spoke two days after a Penn State student celebrating her 21st
birthday was hospitalized with a blood-alcohol content of 0.682
percent — a level twice what normally sends a person into coma. The
student participated in a tradition of drinking at least 21 alcoholic
drinks during a 21st-birthday "bar tour.''

Last summer, drinking by Penn State students led to rioting. Some
1,500 students gathered in downtown State College as rioters set
bonfires in the middle of the street, tore down light posts, battered
storefronts and injured more than a dozen police.

"There are unmistakable consequences of such behavioral patterns,''
Spanier said. "Frequent binge drinkers are far more likely than
non-binge drinkers to have multiple problems'' that include engaging
in unplanned sexual activity, getting hurt and damaging property.