Preventing unsafe and illegal alcohol and drug use is one of the biggest public health challenges faced by universities across the U.S. There is no single solution to the developmental dilemma posed by newfound freedom, easy access to cheap alcohol and media-driven myths about college life. At Washington State University, we use an educational model based on the best research available, an approach endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and prevention science. And while no approach is likely to completely eradicate college students' substance use, we are seeing encouraging results.
Every new student at WSU takes a mandatory hour-long small group workshop, "Booze, Sex and Reality Checks," led by graduate students trained by our Counseling and Testing Center staff. They also take an individualized online assessment, which provides feedback responsive to each student's level of reported drug and alcohol use. We administer national surveys every other year measuring a variety of health behaviors, including substance use. From these surveys, we know that 20 percent of WSU students don't drink at all, and that a majority of students don't engage in regular binge or dangerous drinking.
When students do violate our drug and alcohol policy, they are assigned to a three-part educational intervention, which includes an assessment for substance abuse and dependency. Second violations are sent directly to a clinician for more in-depth assessment. Every medical clinic visit includes a brief diagnostic interview about substance use, which allows care providers to address concerning symptoms as they arise. Health and Wellness Services also leads Red Watchband, a national program that trains students to recognize and respond to alcohol overdose.
Addressing off-campus behavior, including illegal substance use in apartments and some fraternity houses (all WSU sororities and fraternities that house first-year students are alcohol free), is a partnership between Pullman police, campus police and university offices. Regardless of the legal outcomes, WSU assigns educational interventions for individuals and for student organizations that violate the standards of conduct for students. If hazing is involved, state law requires us to withdraw recognition from the organization.
And finally, while WSU has a robust sexual assault and misconduct prevention and response program, it focuses first on sexual decision-making and affirmative consent. Sexual assault, intimate partner violence and stalking are forms of illegal discrimination, not simply a result of alcohol use.
Addressing alcohol abuse and its consequences on campus is complex and demanding work. Our message is anything but mixed ("Our View: A very mixed message on alcohol abuse ," Nov. 7): we want our students to make informed, legal and safe decisions about their alcohol use.
Melynda Huskey is dean of students at Washington State University.
