The NDSU President’s Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs has released findings from the 2014 Core Alcohol and Other Drug Survey. Results indicate fewer NDSU students are experiencing negative consequences associated with high-risk alcohol and other drug use. Some specific consequences, such as missing a class, getting into an argument or fight, experiencing at least one hangover, or driving while under the influence, were reported at all-time lows.
Additionally, more students are aware of the prevention work on NDSU’s campus and are involved in these efforts. These outcomes highlight the positive impact of NDSU’s long-standing commitment to alcohol and other drug abuse prevention.
The Core survey results, which investigate the prevalence, patterns and related consequences of alcohol and drug use, have served as a platform for addressing the alcohol and drug use among NDSU’s student population since 2001.
“At NDSU, we recognize that misuse of alcohol or other drugs can impact the likelihood of our students succeeding,” said Laura Oster-Aaland, associate vice provost for enrollment management and co-chair of the President’s Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs. “This is why we are committed to addressing this issue on an ongoing basis. This is long-term work and we look at trends like negative consequences decreasing as a sign that our efforts are working.”
Alcohol continues to be the most commonly reported drug used among NDSU students and among college students nationally. In 2014, a total of 82.8 percent of NDSU students reported using alcohol within the past year. This and other alcohol use rates have remained stable at NDSU. However, the percentage of students who report experiencing specific consequences associated with alcohol misuse is trending downward.
From 2001-14, the percentage of students reporting:
- Missing a class decreased from 43.1 to 22.9 percent
- Driving a car while under the influence decreased from 48.8 to 17.7 percent
- Doing something they later regretted decreased from 43.8 to 32 percent
Marijuana use rates have increased, but remains below the national average. The increase in marijuana use reflects national trends and is an area of continued focus. All other illicit drug use at NDSU is minimal with use rates below 3 percent. These rates are near or below national averages.
NDSU’s President’s Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs uses the Core data to measure progress on its 2013-18 strategic plan and inform prevention efforts. “In my short time here at NDSU, I have been impressed by the comprehensive nature of NDSU’s alcohol and drug abuse prevention efforts,” said Matt Larsen, NDSU director of athletics and co-chair of the President’s Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs. “We are working to help students make choices that promote their success and the success of the community.”
Programs that have been implemented as a result of the Core data include extensive communication efforts with parents of NDSU students, increased availability of alcohol-free late-night weekend programming and online alcohol education for all first-year students. These programs aim to educate and motivate students, equipping them with skills and resources to make low-risk decisions regarding alcohol and other drugs.
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