I think the problem with the deadly rite of passage article goes much
deeper than just the term binge and high risk drinking. Substantial
evidence exists that warning or alarming drinkers about alcohol tends to
serve as a potential source of normative misperceptions for both drinkers
and the public and has had little effect in the last 100 years in changing
drinking behavior. While the article may have some merit as Robert has
pointed out, I feel strongly that we need to move away from trying to scare
students. The same information can be presented with a different approach
that still addresses the scope of the problem
Most school based and college alcohol prevention programs have been
predicated on using educational methods to increase knowledge.
Disseminating information about the adverse legal, health and social
negative consequences of alcohol use is based upon the assumption that
students who choose to drink alcohol are not aware of the potential dangers
and risks. It is assumed increased knowledge of risk or consequences will
increase negative attitudes toward not drinking which will in turn then
lead to safe healthy behavioral choices (Botvin, 1996). Although many
prevention programs continue to use this educational approach, few studies
using experimental controls with outcome measures have reduced high-risk
drinking and alcohol related consequences (Goodstadt, 1986 & Moskowitz,
1989). Conclusions from the alcohol prevention research suggest the need
for developing new research based college and school prevention programs
grounded in a behavioral change theoretical model.
Barry M. Gregory M.Ed.
Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor
Counseling Center
Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Rd.
Boca Raton, Fl. 33431
fax:561-297-2740
1-561-297-2138
Bgregory@fau.edu
http://www.fau.edu/student/aod/
http://www.fau.edu/student/counsel/
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