BY RANDY McNUTT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
OXFORD -- Miami University hopes to decrease student drinking by encouraging non-alcoholic events and a campaign that assists students in making lifestyle changes.
"Peer pressure is a good way to effect change," said spokeswoman Holly Wissing.
Because 65 percent of entering first-year Miami students have already used alcohol, she said, the university will focus on supporting and encouraging low-risk use rather than abstinence.
"More than 90 percent of Miami students already believe drinking five or more drinks increases the risk for harm," said James Slager, senior administrative director for Miami health services. "Our goal is to help students make healthy choices based on that knowledge." Peer influence is critical in the new approach. Studies have shown that students drastically overestimate the levels of drug and alcohol abuse by their peers. Students who think the majority of fellow students are abusing alcohol tend to drink more heavily themselves, university officials said.
To help, Miami's office of health education -- with assistance from students and faculty from the marketing department -- will promote positive behavior and raise social consciousness.
Health officials are working on a campaign that promotes self-assessment and assists students. The effort includes peer marketing, risk-reduction education and non-alcoholic activities.
"We'll provide more non-alcoholic activities and make them last longer," Ms. Wissing said. "At 11 p.m., many college students are just getting started."
She said drinking is a national campus problem, even though it doesn't involve a majority of students.
"When you have a problem drinker, it's disruptive to other students," she said. "You want students to confront those who drink. I think people are trying to look at this problem creatively, taking new approaches."
