Palm - Spring 2008 - (Page 9) F E AT U R E need to change the way they drink alcohol increased seven percentage points. (17% to 24%). Members reported an increase in their awareness that it is important to watch out and, if necessary, take care of their brothers. Overall, ATOs reported an increase in the use of protective factors after completing the course. Most notably, the percentage of students who reported they think about their BAC while drinking increased from 41 percent to 67 percent. Brothers choosing a drink containing less alcohol increased eight points and those who decided to alternate non-alcohol drinks with drinks containing alcohol rose nine points. Mike Zarro, Epsilon Gamma chapter president at the University of Maryland sees a measured impact. “I don’t believe the course dramatically alters a man’s drinking habits,” said Zarro. “However it does challenge his mentality and causes him to second guess many choices.” Those saying they are thinking about drinking alcohol in healthier and safer ways increased 11 percentage points; those reporting they are ready to try drinking alcohol in healthier and safer ways increased five percentage points. Those who said that they drink and see no need to change the way they use alcohol decreased by 12 points. The percentage of abstainers increased by four percentage points, the percentage of “drinkers” decreased by four points, the percentage of heavy episodic drinkers (five or more drinks in one day at least once in the past two weeks) decreased by ten points and similarly, the percentage of problematic drinkers (ten or more drinks in one day at least once in the past two weeks) decreased by ten points. One ATO who took the course anonymously wrote, “It showed me things that I never thought were true until I sat down and thought about it.” Another said, “It taught me how to take care of someone if they are experiencing an overdose and how to prevent myself from having an overdose.” And another, “It focused on what was relevant to college life and did not worry about the stuff in the world like adulthood and the kind of person we should be, but rather let us make our own decisions with the information given.” The reported changes for ATOs are similar to those of the 12 other national fraternities using AlcoholEdu. In fact, according to the AlcoholEdu data, changes are more pronounced within the greek system compared to the general college population. In an independent control study, using the AlcoholEdu massive data set, Dr. Andrew Wall looked at 340 greek chapters and found that those utilizing AlcoholEdu experienced fewer alcohol related academic consequences, experienced fewer alcohol related negative health consequences and reported fewer days of heavy drinking compared to the general campus population. “The change could be considered a fluke or it could be the result of strong responses by national greek-letter organizations that have led to some of the most comprehensive environmental management strategies, including ‘dry’ houses, mandated education and strict risk-liability policies,” said Busteed. DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD One of the powerful effects of AlcoholEdu’s ability to educate and change behaviors is through conversations in tight knit groups, like fraternity chapters. Members take the course online but many then talk about things they’ve learned with their brothers at random times, reinforcing the knowledge they received through the course. More random conversations typically equal more knowledge retention and consideration of behavior changes. “Our chapter certainly discusses what we learned and found interesting, said Zarro. “Though casual, just talking about alcohol consumption is a step in the right direction.” Ironically, it is this same dynamic °™ that of a tight knit group °™ that serves as a catalyst for increased alcohol consumption because bad behaviors can spread more quickly. Still, Busteed is encouraged. “I’m optimistic because for the first time in the last year or two I’m starting to see signs that we will witness some pretty significant changes in drinking behaviors on campus,” he said. “I think we have a generation of students as part of a population that is less interested in getting drunk as part of their standard college experience. There are some promising trends, especially among greeks.” OPPORTUNITY IN THE PROBLEM If what Busteed says is true then there are real opportunities for fraternity chapters to take advantage of, including recruiting AT O . O RG 9
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