University Adopts Harm Reduction Approach Toward Student Alcohol Use

Northern Kentucky University officially holds a zero-tolerance policy toward alcohol use, but the school's counselors and neighboring treatment centers attempt to reduce the harms associated with drinking by teaching students how to make safer choices.

Opponents of the strategy argue that by not promoting abstinence, NKU is promoting alcohol use. Nonetheless, school officials believe their approach is beneficial to students.

"'Just say no' doesn't work," said Dr. Perilou Goddard, psychology professor at NKU. Students who binge drink, especially incoming freshman, need to be educated about how to enjoy alcohol without becoming dangerously intoxicated, she said.

"Education is the key to being able to make a good decision," said Karen Bolte, NKU counselor. "I provide them with education, but they have to make the choice." Bolte's programs center on responsible drinking, teaching students such facts as their blood alcohol level per number of drinks.

Bolte supports the use of the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI), which measures how abnormal a student's drinking habits are compared to their peers. Goddard agrees, stating that most students harbor misconceptions about the normalcy of alcohol abuse. "They're getting a very biased view [of their drinking habits] by hanging out with other drinkers," said Goddard. "Drinking is more fun when you limit yourself."

(9/9/2005)