Problematic Drinking Among College Athletes

Purpose

Problematic drinking on college campuses remains a significant concern for students in general and a growing concern for athletes in particular. Researchers have confirmed that 29% of male and 24% of female college athletes report binge drinking three or more times each two week period. Utilizing support of a three-year grant from the NCAA, the purpose of this study was to evaluate a CHOICES alcohol and substance abuse program for athletes and students at a public, regional NCAA II university

Methods

This study analyzed the impact of a NCAA supported, CHOICES alcohol and substance abuse program, on the 275 scholarship athletes and 10,500 non-athletes at a NCAA II state university. The program included a social norming campaign aimed at the general student population, alcohol and substance abuse educational sessions for athletes, incorporation of an athlete-peer mentoring program with representation from each team, and the incorporation of three campus-wide, alcohol-free events associated with rivalry, home athletic contest. The CORE Drug and Alcohol Survey was given as a pre-test in the spring of 2007 and then as a post-test in the spring of 2008 to measure the effectiveness of the program. The CORE survey is used by universities and colleges to determine the extent of substance use and abuse among students. The subjects consisted of a stratified, random sample of athletes (n= 150) and non-athlete students (n=553).

Analysis/Results

During the treatment period, there was a decrease in both incidence and problematic drinking behavior for students and athletes. Reports of binge drinking decreased to 38% among students and 55% among athletes for the average two week period. Problems associated with alcohol fell from 23% to 21% among students and from 41% to 35% among athletes. Students and athletes, 33% and 22% respectively, expressed a preference to not have alcohol at parties while nearly triple that number in both groups believed that alcohol was central to social life.

Conclusions

The explanations of the problem are diverse, ranging from the innate, risk-taking personality of athlete, to the isolation that athletes feel from other students. Even though this CHOICES program appears to have an impact, some have hinted that the problem may already be ingrained by the time the athlete graduates from high school, thus deserving future research. Attention to the high prevalence of problematic drinking among college students and athletes remains important as coaches try to assist in the total development of their protégés.