Substance Use Behaviors among College Students

The Task Force of the National Advisory Council on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2002) has identified that drinking on college campuses is a unique culture and changing this culture is a top priority. Within the drinking culture, binge drinking has emerged as a growing problem that has dangerous consequences. Binge drinking has been correlated with high-risk behaviors, such as unsafe sex, sexual assault, injuries, and even death (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [NIAAA], 2013).  The NIAAA (2013) defines binge drinking as 4 drinks for women and 5 drinks for men within a few hours. The main objective of this study was to assess substance use behaviors among college students at a private, faith-based university in the Midwest and identify aspects that are associated with drinking on the college campus. Data were collected using a modified version of the Core Alcohol and Drug Survey: Long Form (Core Institute of Student Health Programs, 1994), which asks detailed questions about substance use behaviors. Following IRB approval, all undergraduate students (N = 3,052) during the 2014-2015 academic year were invited to participate in an online survey using Survey Monkey®. A total of 1,164 students responded and 1,095 completed the survey, yielding a 35.9% response rate. Results showed that 62.6% of respondents drank alcohol. There were differences in drinking behaviors based on Greek life affiliation, gender, and athletic participation. There was a statistically significant difference (X^{2 =} 66.001, p < .001) based on Greek life affiliation; 83.9% of fraternity and sorority members drink alcohol compared to 57.3% not involved in Greek life.  Of all students who drank alcohol, 71.7% engaged in binge drinking in the past 30 days. While there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of drinking alcohol based on gender (64% of males, 65.3% of females reported alcohol use), there was a statistically significant difference in binge drinking among males and females. Among drinkers, 76.5% of males engaged in binge drinking compared to 58.4% of females (X² = 50.800, p = .001). However, there were no significant differences for binge drinking and Greek life affiliation or being an athlete. Of those in Greek life, 75.3% engaged in binge drinking compare to 60.3% not Greek-affiliated (X² = 30.526, p = .106). Of those who reported being an athlete, 71.6% engaged in binge drinking while 64.4% of non-athletes engaged in binge drinking (X² = 20.281, p = .625). The top 3 reasons for drinking alcohol were: 86.5% “to have fun,” 75.2% “to feel good and relaxed,” 46.8% “makes it easier to socialize.” The majority of students on this campus drink alcohol. Moreover, binge drinking is a significant problem among those who use alcohol, particularly males and those affiliated with Greek life. Information from the survey will be used to develop evidence-based interventions to support a change in the drinking culture on this campus.