ALCOHOL IS `THE DRUG OF CHOICE ON CAMPUSES'

Universities Planning Anti-Binge Drinking Campaign

WASHINGTON -- Binge drinking on campus is one of the top problems
facing universities, becoming a concern even greater than illegal drug
use, the president of Pennsylvania State University said Thursday.

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

``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,'' he told the National Press Club. ``Alcohol has been the
drug of choice on campuses today.''

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. About
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.

Spanier said a recent survey found that more than 40 percent of
college students today engage in binge drinking, defined as the
consumption of at least five drinks at one sitting by a male or four
drinks for a female.

He said alcohol is a factor in 40 percent of all academic problems and
28 percent of all dropouts.

Spanier outlined plans to launch a national awareness campaign Sept.
10, with full-page ads in more than a dozen major newspapers. He also
said colleges and universities will intensify educational and
prevention efforts and establish a Web site to call greater attention
to the issue.

``The level of attention being given to this problem by university
presidents has accelerated,'' Spanier said. ``Educational programs are
raising awareness and providing a foundation for students to make
responsible decisions about drinking.''

At Penn State, university officials have organized alternative
activities such as ballroom dance lessons, films and concerts. The
school also provides screening, counseling, intervention and other
support services. Spanier said fraternities and sororities also have
been tapped to help de-emphasize the use of alcohol.