National Meeting on Alcohol, Other Drug, and Violence Prevention in Higher Education
Conceptual and Empirical Problems with "Binge" and Other High Risk Drinking Measures in Student Populations
H. Wesley Perkins, Ph.D. and David W. Craig, Ph.D.
October 14-17, 2000

Abstract:

The label of "binge" drinking used in studies of college students and empirical measures such as 5 or more drinks at one occasion have been criticized as well as defended by researchers and prevention specialists in higher education. This town meeting will explore the debate based on research data and implications for effective prevention programs. Is the "binge" label helpful or harmful to the promotion of college prevention and credibility in student populations? How accurate are measures counting drinks per occasion in determining high risk? Does the consideration of amount of time drinking, gender and body weight appreciably change estimates of problem rates and the identification of problem drinkers? Town meeting leaders will outline these issues in the context of national debates and new research on the measurement of high risk drinking examining the calculation of BAC levels and correlation with negative consequences. Interactive debate among participants will follow.

References:

DeJong W. (1998). A message from the director: Language matters. Catalyst (Summer/Fall): 5. (U.S. Department of Education, Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention)

Perkins H. W. Scope of the Problem: Misperceptions of Alcohol and Drugs. Catalyst 1(3), 1-2. (U.S. Department of Education, Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention)

Wechsler H, Lee JE, Kuo M, Lee H. College Binge Drinking in the 1990s: A Continuing Problem. J Am College Health. 2000: 48:219-226.

Wechsler, H., Dowdall, G. W., Davenport, A., & Rimm, E. B. (1995). A gender-specific measure of binge drinking among college students. American Journal of Public Health, 85(7), 982-985.

Wechsler H, Molnar BE, Davenport AE, Baer JS. College alcohol use: A full or empty glass? Journal of American College Health 47: 247-252. U.S. Department of Transportation, "Driving under the Influence: A Report to Congress on alcohol limits." October, 1992.


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