University of Colorado at Boulder students and administrators are taking action to prevent the inconsiderate and sometimes violent second-hand effects of friends' or roommates' alcohol abuse.Ìý
Bob Maust, principal investigator for A Matter of Degree, a grant-supported program to reduce high-risk alcohol use, reports that students are increasingly standing up for themselves when faced with disruptive alcohol situations.Ìý
"For example, we see an increase in the number of students requesting substance-free housing," Maust said. "In addition, the university has clearly taken a stand against those who cause these negative effects. An effective 'three strike' policy was adopted two years ago to inform students about what is expected of them, and to suspend those who can't abide by college policies."
A Matter of Degree has campaigned to correct popular misperceptions that most CU-Boulder students drink, and drink excessively. Though rates of second-hand drinking effects have remained steady in the CU-Boulder community, reports of more serious alcohol-related incidents have declined since 1999. Unwanted sexual advances were reported by 26 percent of students, down from 40 percent. Physical assault dropped 9 points to 15 percent.
"The public usually only hears about more serious alcohol-related offenses, such as DUI or assault cases," Maust said, but those situations do not represent the majority of second-hand drinking effects, he said.
According to the latest College Alcohol Study conducted by Harvard University, 62 percent of students at CU-Boulder were interrupted while sleeping by other students' drinking, 57 percent of students reported having to "baby sit" a drunk, 32 percent were insulted or humiliated by someone drinking and 30 percent had a serious argument or disagreement. One-quarter of respondents reported property damage.
"A person who has a drinking problem is often unreliable and moody," said David Strand, staff psychologist at CU's Counseling and Psychological Services office. "It's obviously difficult to live with a roommate or housemate who can't be counted on to act responsibly."
Â鶹ÒùÔº suffering from the second-hand effects of a roommate or friend with an alcohol problem can find help at Counseling Services. Walk-in hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Willard Hall, room 134.
"They can come in and consult with us on how to deal with the situation. Our services are free and confidential," Strand said.
Michaela Cooney-Polstra, associate manager of training and outreach for CU's department of psychological health and psychiatry, had important advice for roommates or friends of students who might need help with an alcohol problem. "Denying what you observe in a person's behavior can be very costly - both to them and to the people they affect," she said.
Blackouts, declining health, bad academic performance and legal problems are indications that intervention is needed, she said, noting that it is important to confront people when they're sober and make it clear they aren't being judged.Ìý
"During the discussion, it's helpful to contrast their drunk and sober behavior. Suggest that they might need to talk with a specialist to determine if they have a problem and to find out what resources are available," she said.
A variety of services are available for students battling alcohol or drug abuse. "We offer substance abuse evaluations, individual and group therapy and a six-hour education program geared toward students who've been cited for underage drinking called 'Focus On Alcohol Concerns,'" Cooney-Polstra said.
For more information contact the CU Department of Psychological Health and Psychiatry, (303) 492-5654 or A Matter of Degree, (303) 735-5218 or .