Alcohol use among fraternity and sorority members: looking at change over time.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare data collected from 508 Greek members at a large, northeastern land grant university in 1994 and 2000, examining both alcohol use and its consequences. This study supports past research findings showing a high incidence of alcohol consumption among fraternity and sorority members. However, by comparing the responses of the 1994 sample to the 2000 sample, many important significant differences were found that provide a more optimistic view of the issue of alcohol use among Greek members. These results would suggest that while there is much work to do to reduce heavy alcohol consumption among fraternity and sorority members, some progress has been made in this direction.

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The college years are a time of change and experimentation. Many students are on their own for the first time; they face new pressures and find new friends. Drinking is part of college life for most students. For some, this may lead to substance abuse. Although this may include illegal drugs, the drug of choice is generally alcohol (Office of Substance Abuse Prevention, 1991). In fact, some experts have labeled the widespread abuse of alcohol as one of the most serious threats faced by our nation's institutions of higher education (Higher Education Center, 1997).

Alcohol abuse may be especially prevalent among students in Greek organizations. Fraternity and sorority members drink more often and in greater quantities than other college students, putting then at an even higher risk for such things as missing class, poor grades, unprotected sex, violence, and even death. One of the most noted surveys of college student alcohol and drug use was conducted by Dr. Henry Wechsler of the Harvard School of Public Health in 1995. The results of his College Alcohol Survey confirmed that the United States continues to have a major substance abuse problem on its college campuses. In terms of Greek organizations, his study found that sorority members were almost twice as likely to be binge drinkers compared to non-sorority women; among men, 75% of fraternity members were binge drinkers, compared to 45 % of other male students (Wechsler, 1995). The term "binge" drinking was defined by the researcher as the consumption of five or more drinks in a row for men and four or more for women, at least once in the two weeks preceding the survey. Other published findings revealed that 56% of fraternity residents (those residing in a house) and 44% of sorority residents reported having missed class since the beginning of the school year due to alcohol. Residents of fraternities and sororities were as likely as non-members to engage in unprotected sex, and three times as many fraternity residents as nonmember male student reported being pushed, hit or assaulted in the previous year by someone who was intoxicated. Sorority residents were twice as likely as non-member women to be pushed, hit or assaulted (Wechsler, Kuh, & Davenport, 1996).

The Core Institute at Southern Illinois University has reported similar findings about student substance use. The Core Alcohol and Drug Survey has been the primary evaluation instrument used by colleges and universities to access information about alcohol and other drug use on their campuses. According to the institute's more recent reports, alcohol use was found to be higher among Greek affiliated students, and fraternity members reporting higher levels of drinking than sorority members (Alva, 1998). Other studies using the Core survey (Cashin, Presley, & Meilman, 1998; Presley, Meilman, & Lyerla, 1993) found that students residing in Greek houses drank more, engaged in heavy drinking more often, and experienced more negative consequences (such as missing class, poor grades, and fights) than the general student population.

These findings have been supported by other researchers, such as Baer, Kivlahan, and Marlatt (1995) who found that 85% of residents of Greek houses reported drinking alcohol at least 1-2 times per week, while 37% said they drank at least 3-4 times per week. Walker and Avioli (1991) and Goodwin (1992) found that being in a fraternity or sorority was associated with higher rates of drinking and higher rates of problems associated with alcohol use. In addition, research by Tampke (1990) found that fraternity and sorority members drank significantly more than non-members, and their perceptions of risks associated with alcohol were significantly lower as compared to the non-Greeks.

Greek organizations were designed to promote leadership, scholarship and community service on campus in a network of brotherhood and sisterhood. Unfortunately, many Greek organizations are better known as party houses and havens for heavy drinking. In fact, some researchers have suggested that the environment of fraternity and sorority houses promotes the abuse of alcohol-particularly binge drinking. For example, Weschsler, Kuh, and Davenport (1996) found that residency in a fraternity or sorority house was associated with even higher rates of binge drinking than for nonresidents. Eight-six percent of men and 80% of women were binge drinkers, and 57% of fraternity residents and 43% of sorority residents were frequent binge drinkers (binging 3 or more times in the 2 week prior to the survey). Research by Klein (1992) indicated fraternity and sorority members and students living in fraternity houses were much more likely than peers to endorse less-than-responsible drinking ideals.

The purpose of this study was to compare data collected from Greek members at a large, northeastern land grant university in 1994 and 2000 to examine both alcohol use and its consequences. Results were analyzed for commonalities and differences. It should be noted that few studies have compared student alcohol use over time. The largest (and most recent) national follow-up study on college alcohol use was conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health in 1999 (Wechsler, Lee, Kuo, & Lee, 2000). This study of 14,000 students at 119 colleges compared the results of student alcohol use from 1993 and 1997 to 1999 survey data. The results indicated that although frequent binge drinking rates increased significantly, the number of students abstaining from alcohol increased for 15% in 1993 to 19% in 1999.

Method

Sample

A total of 508 members of Greek organizations at a large, northeastern land grant university in the United States participated in the study. The sample was limited to those students involved in a fraternity or sorority at the time the questionnaire was distributed to chapter. The questionnaire was distributed to 559 members of fraternities and sororities at the end of the Spring 1994 semester; a total of 303 responded (142 fraternity members, 161 sorority members). The questionnaire was distributed again at the end of the Spring 2000 semester to 602 Greek members; 205 responded (89 fraternity members, 116 sorority members). The response rate was 54% in 1994 and 35% in 2000. Approximately 45 % of the total sample was comprised of male fraternity members (n=231) while 55% were female sorority members (n=277). The age of the sample ranged from 18 to 22 and older, including 9% (n=44) who were 18 years old, 20% (n=104) who were 19 years old, 23% (n=117) who were 20 years old, 24% (n=120) who were 21 years old, and 24% who were 22 or older. In terms of year in school, 18% were first-year students, 32% were sophomores, 22% were juniors, 22% were seniors, and 6% were fifth-year students. There were no statistically significant differences between the 1994 and 2000 sample in terms of age and year in school.

Questionnaire

The 32-item questionnaire was developed by the researchers following a careful review of the literature and after discussions with members of the Greek Peer Educator Program. This unique peer education program is made up of representatives from the various Greek organizations on this campus. While the questionnaire was uniquely generated, similar questions can be found in validated instruments such as Harvard's College Alcohol Survey and the Core Alcohol and Drug Survey mentioned earlier. The questionnaire included three questions about respondents' sex, age, and year in school, followed by twelve questions related to alcohol use and seventeen questions focusing on consequences associated with alcohol use. Respondents were asked to circle either a "yes" or "no" response for most of the questions.

Procedure

Questionnaires were distributed to each fraternity and sorority chapter at the end of the school year in 1994 and again in 2000. Questionnaires were distributed at the end of the chapter meeting. Students were informed both in writing and verbally: that the nature of the questionnaire was to survey members of Greek organizations about their alcohol use, that their participation was voluntary, and that all responses would be totally anonymous. Students were asked to return their complete survey directly to the researcher in the self-addressed envelope within the next week. Chi-square analysis was used to test for significant differences in the responses between the 1994 and 2000 samples.

Results

Alcohol Use

Data describing the student's use of alcohol are presented in Table 1. Responses are reported in percentage for fraternity members, sorority members, and the total sample in both 1994 and 2000. While the majority of students reported that they drank in high school, there were significantly differences between the 1994 and 2000 sample ([X.sup.2]=5.44, p<.05). Fewer students in the 2000 sample (68.6%) indicated they drank alcohol in high school as compared to the 1994 sample (77.9%). In terms of the number of times students reported drinking alcohol in a typical week; students who were surveyed in 1994 were fairly evenly divided in that approximately one-third drank once a week (31.4%), one-third drank twice a week (33.7%), and one-fourth drank three or more times (26%). Although not statistically significant, students (18.9%) in the 2000 survey indicated that they drank three or more times a week. When asked how many alcoholic drinks they typically have on a given evening, the response was similar in both the 1994 and the 2000 survey. About one-third indicated they had 4-6 drinks on a given evening, whereas about one-fifth said they had 1-3 drinks or 7-9 drinks. The students differed significantly ([X.sup.2]=36.26,p<.01) in their response to the question which asked where their heaviest drinking occurred. The respondents in the 1994 sample were more likely to indicate areas bars (41.6%), whereas students in the 2000 survey were much more likely to indicate fraternity parties (34.1%).

Students were asked about their drinking habits since beginning college. While approximately 65% of students reported an increase in their drinking since arriving at college, not statistically significant differences were noted between the 1994 and 2000 samples. The same was true for both samples in terms of their drinking habits since joining a fraternity or sorority, with over 65% indicating that their drinking remained the same. Furthermore, the overwhelming majority (approximately 95%) did not feel they were pressured to drink since joining a Greek organization. No significant differences were found between 1994 and 2000 on this question. However, there was a significant difference between the 1994 sample and the 2000 sample when asked about pressure to drink when others are drinking ([X.sup.2]=7.40,p<.01). Significantly more students in the 1994 sample (17.8%) felt pressure as compared to the 2000 sample (9.3%).

When asked why they drink, a significant difference was found between the 1994 and 2000 samples ([X.sup.2]=11.92, p<.01). While most students indicated that it was "to celebrate or have a good time," significantly more students felt this way in 2000 (59.1%) than in 1994 (47.8%). In addition, significantly more students in the 1994 sample selected the response "because your friends are drinking" (21.1%), as compared to the 2000 sample (15.8%). A significant difference ([X.sup.2]=7.73,p<.01) was found between the two samples when asked, "Do you see yourself as a responsible drinker?" Significantly more students in the 2000 sample indicated they were responsible (95.6%), as compared to the 1994 sample (88.4%). In fact, statistically fewer students in the 2000 sample ([X.sup.2]=19.45,p<.01) said a friend has expressed concern about their drinking (11.8% versus 28.4%). In addition, a statistically significant difference was found between these two groups when asked if they thought they might have a drinking problem ([X.sup.2]=17.02,p<.01); only a small percentage of the 2000 sample (11.8%) as compared to the 1994 sample (27.1%) thought they might have a problem with alcohol.

Consequences of Alcohol Use

Students were presented with seventeen items on alcohol-related consequences and asked to respond to each in terms of what has happened since arriving at college. Results are presented in Table 2 for both the 1994 and 2000 sample with percentages of fraternity members, sorority members and the total sample. Chi-square analysis was used to test for significant differences in the responses for the total sample in 1994 versus 2000.

When asked if they had gotten drunk since arriving at college, the majority of the students responded that they had. The 1994 sample (90.8%) was slightly higher than the 2000 sample (89.8%) but the difference was not significant. The majority of both samples also reported having experienced a hangover, with the 2000 sample being slightly higher than the 1994 sample (89.5% as compared to 86.8%); however, there was no significant difference.

Each sample was also asked whether they had ever used false identification to obtain alcohol since arriving at college. It was found that 40.3% of the respondents in the 1994 study reported having used a fake ID. This was found to be significantly higher ([X.sup.2]=12.66,p<.01) than 25% who had done this in the 2000 sample. Students were also asked whether they had ever provided alcohol for someone under the legal drinking age of 21. Approximately half of both samples (55.1% and 53%) reported having done this.

Students were also asked about drinking and driving related issues since arriving at college. There were significant differences between the samples. While 60.4% of the 1994 sample indicated that they had allowed a friend to drive under the influence of alcohol, a significantly lower number ([X.sup.2]=26.6, p<.01) of the 2000 sample (37.1%) had allowed this to happen. In the 1994 survey about half of the respondents (47.2%) indicated that they themselves had driven while under the influence, whereas the 2000 sample reported a significantly lower percentage (27.1%) of students who had driven while under the influence ([X.sup.2]=20.65, p<.01). Yet when asked about being arrested for drinking and driving, only 5.3% of the sample in 1994 indicated that they had been arrested, and only 1.5% of the 2000 sample had been arrested. This represented a significant decline in drinking and driving rates, as well as arrests ([X.sup.2]=4.69, p<.05).

Significant differences were also noted between the 1994 sample and 2000 sample on issues related to missing class ([X.sup.2]=15.91, p<.01), damaging property ([X.sup.2] =4.25, p<.01), and getting into fights ([X.sup.2]=10.09, p<.01). While 63.7% of the 1994 sample indicated that they had cut class because of alcohol, only 45.8% of the 2000 sample had done so. In 1994, 24.4% of the sample said they had damaged property while under the influence of alcohol; a significantly lower response was given by the 2000 sample (16.8%). Nearly 60% of the 1994 sample said they had gotten into a fight while drinking, whereas only 32.7% of the 2000 sample reported that they had become aggressive while drinking. In both samples, students reported similar responses (70% and 62.7%) when asked if they at least one episode where they had not been able to remember what happened while they were drinking. Furthermore, most students indicated that they had done something after drinking that they later regretted. The 2000 sample (58.2%) was significantly lower ([X.sup.2] =8.76, p<.05) than the 1994 sample (71%). Specifically in terms of sexual behavior, a high percentage of respondents indicated that they had sex with someone they would not have normally had sex with. A significant difference ([X.sup.2] =6.59, p<.05) was found between 1994 and 2000, with the earlier sample reporting 54.5% of students who had done this as compared to the 2000 sample of 42.8%.

In terms of other issues related to alcohol and partying, it was found that over half of the students had attended a fraternity or sorority party that was not officially sanctioned by the university (an illegal party). Although there was a decrease between 1994 (60.1%) and 2000 (54.1%), there was no significant difference. Very few students reported that they had thought about suicide while drinking both in the 1994 and 2000 sample (7.3 and 6% respectively). While few students reported having taken advantage of someone sexually (10.9% and 6.5%), as much higher percentage reported having been taken advantage of sexually (22.8% and 21.4%).

Discussion

This study supports past research findings showing a high incidence of alcohol consumption among fraternity and sorority members. The results for both the 1994 and 2000 samples of fraternity and sorority members reveal that the majority of these students drank in high school, and most of them have increased their drinking since arriving at college. This is particularly evident when one looks at the responses to questions asking about the number of times they go out and how many drinks they typically consume in an evening. The majority of students report that they go out drinking two or more times a week, and typically consume at least four or more drinks in an evening. This pattern of drinking would qualify the majority of students in both samples as binge drinkers (Wechsler, 1995). Approximately 90% of students in both 1994 and 2000 report they have gotten drunk at least once, as well as experienced a hangover, and over 60% report they have been so intoxicated they cannot remember what happened. Most have attended an illegal fraternity party, and over half have supplied alcohol to someone under the legal drinking age. Finally, the majority of students in both samples report that they have done something while intoxicated that they later regretted.

This study differs from others in that it allowed for comparison of alcohol use by Greeks over a six-year period. By comparing the responses of the 1994 sample to the 2000 sample, these results paint a much more encouraging picture of Greek students and their alcohol use. Many important statistically significant differences were found between the 1994 and 2000 sample that provide a more optimistic view of Greek life. Specifically, compared to the 1994 sample, fewer students in 2000 report that they: drank in high school, feel pressured to drink, go out to drink three or more times a week, drink more than six drinks in an evening, used a fake identification, allowed a friend to drive while intoxicated, drove a car when they had to much to drink, had been arrested for drinking and driving, missed a class due to alcohol, damaged property, gotten into a fight or became aggressive, done something they later regretted, or had sex with someone they would not normally. In addition, while not statistically significant, there were clearly fewer students in the 2000 sample who said that while under the influence of alcohol they: were not able to remember what happened, had taken advantage of someone sexually, or seriously thought of suicide. Overall, the fraternity and sorority members who responded to the 2000 survey appear to be a much more responsible group in terms of their alcohol use and experienced fewer alcohol-related consequences.

These results would suggest that while there is much work needed to reduce heavy alcohol consumption among fraternity and sorority members, there has been some important progress made in that very direction. One might conclude from these results that some of the efforts to educate students about the appropriate use of alcohol have begun to effect change. On the campus level, efforts have included general alcohol education programming to all students, as well as targeted educational efforts geared for members of fraternities and sororities. Such targeted programming includes the creation of the Greek Peer Educator Program, a unique education program with representatives from the various Greek organizations whose mission is to provide programming to members on issues related to alcohol use and abuse. On the national level, many Greek organizations have developed excellent training and prevention programs related to alcohol for their local chapters, and some national organizations have chosen to reduce alcohol use among it's members by "going dry."

While some efforts appear to be making a difference, it is recognized that no one program or advertising campaign can change all students' behaviors. Clearly, there is a need to develop a comprehensive approach to prevention, including addressing students' drinking behaviors before they arrive at college, and once they arrive at college, approaching the issue from multiple levels, including: staff training, law enforcement, academic involvement, peer education, and specific educational programming efforts.

Limitations

There are some limitations to this study. First, because the sample involved fraternity and sorority members attending one large, northeastern land grant university, the findings of the present study may have limited generalizability to students at other institutions of higher education in the United States. Second, the response rate of 54% in 1994 and 34% in 2000 is a concern. The questionnaires were distributed only once at an end-of-the-year chapter meeting--so only those in attendance were given the opportunity to receive and complete the survey. Third, this study relied on students' self-report of "high risk" behavior (e.g., driving, fighting, sexual activity while under the influence of alcohol) and it is therefore subject to underreporting. In fact, for most students participating in this study, alcohol consumption is illegal since most are under the legal drinking age of 21. Finally, although it was not the intention of this study to look at the entire student body, the lack of comparison group of students not in fraternities or sororities limits the inferences to other non-Greeks.

One important point that should not be forgotten when examining these results is that fraternities and sororities were originally formed to promote leadership among its members and to play a vital role in the campus community. As these findings and others have demonstrated Greek life that resembles a film like "Animal House" is not only dangerous, but also outdated. It's time for Greek organizations to take the lead in creating a new future for themselves. As the results for the 2000 sample reveal, some fraternity and sorority members are doing just that.

Table 1: Descriptive information about alcohol use for the 1994 and
2000 samples (reported in percentages).

                                                       1994

                                        Fraternity   Sorority    Total
                                         (n=142)     (n=161)    (N=303)

Did you drink alcohol in high school?
  Yes                                   75.4         80.1       77.9
  No                                    24.6         19.9       22.1
How Many time a week do you drink?
  0                                      4.9         12.4        8.9
  1                                     32.4         30.4       31.4
  2                                     31.7         35.4       33.7
  3>                                    31.0         21.8       26.0
How many drinks do you usually have on a give
evening when drinking?
  0                                      2.1          9.3        5.9
  1-3                                   21.9         21.1       21.5
  4-6                                   23.9         45.3       35.3
  7-9                                   24.6         19.3       21.8
  10>                                   27.5          5.0       15.5
Where do you think your heaviest drinking occurs?
  In residence hall                      9.8          8.7        9.2
  At fraternity party                   15.5         21.7       18.8
  Off-campus apts                       23.2         16.2       19.5
  At area bars                          43.0         40.4       41.6
  Other                                  8.5         13.0       10.9
Since arriving at college, has your drinking:
  Increased                             57.0         66.5       62.0
  Decreased                             10.6          9.9       10.2
  Remained the same                     32.4         23.6       27.8
Since joining your fraternity/sorority, has your
drinking:
  Increased                             23.2         20.5       21.8
  Deceased                              16.9          8.1       12.2
  Remained the same                     59.9         71.4       66.0
As a pledge or a member, were you (are you) ever
pressured to drink?
  Yes                                    4.9          7.1        6.3
  No                                    95.1         92.5       93.7
Do you usually drink (check all that apply):
  To celebrate/have a good time?        46.3         49.2       47.8
  To relieve school pressure?           20.5         18.1       19.3
  Because your friends are drinking?    23.0         19.4       21.1
  When you're feel sad, angry, upset?   10.2         13.3       11.8
Do you see yourself as a responsible drinker?
  Yes                                   82.4         93.8       88.4
  No                                    17.6          6.2       11.6
Has a friend expressed concern about your drinking?
  Yes
  No                                     4.08        13.1       28.4
                                        59.2         86.9       71.6
Have you thought, you might have a drinking problem?
  Yes
  No                                    38.7         16.8       27.1
                                        61.3         83.2       72.9

                                                       2000

                                        Fraternity   Sorority    Total
                                          (n=89)     (n=116)    (N=205)

Did you drink alcohol in high school?
  Yes                                   76.1         62.9       68.6
  No                                    23.9         37.1       31.4
How Many time a week do you drink?
  0                                      5.6          7.8        6.8
  1                                     27.0         41.4       35.1
  2                                     41.6         37.9       39.5
  3>                                    25.8         12.9       18.9
How many drinks do you usually have on a give
evening when drinking?
  0                                      0.0         12.9        7.3
  1-3                                   21.4         24.2       22.9
  4-6                                   33.7         40.5       37.6
  7-9                                   19.1         19.8       19.5
  10>                                   25.8          2.6       12.7
Where do you think your heaviest drinking occurs?
  In residence hall                     16.9         20.7       19.0
  At fraternity party                   34.8         33.6       34.1
  Off-campus apts                       19.1         16.4       17.6
  At area bars                          23.6         24.1       23.9
  Other                                  5.6          5.2        5.4
Since arriving at college, has your drinking:
  Increased                             60.7         68.1       64.9
  Decreased                             11.2         10.3       10.7
  Remained the same                     28.1         21.6       24.4
Since joining your fraternity/sorority, has your
drinking:
  Increased                             17.6         19.8       18.9
  Deceased                              17.6         11.2       13.9
  Remained the same                     64.8         69.0       67.2
As a pledge or a member, were you (are you) ever
pressured to drink?
  Yes                                    3.4          5.2        4.4
  No                                    96.6         94.8       95.6
Do you usually drink (check all that apply):
  To celebrate/have a good time?        55.2         62.7       59.1
  To relieve school pressure?           18.2         16.0       17.0
  Because your friends are drinking?    17.5         14.2       15.8
  When you're feel sad, angry, upset?    9.1          7.1        8.1
Do you see yourself as a responsible drinker?
  Yes                                   94.4         96.6       95.6
  No                                     5.6          3.4        3.4
Has a friend expressed concern about your drinking?
  Yes
  No                                    13.6         10.4       11.8
                                        86.4         89.6       88.2
Have you thought, you might have a drinking problem?
  Yes
  No                                    15.9          8.7       11.8
                                        84.1         91.3       88.2

                                        [chi square]

Did you drink alcohol in high school?
  Yes                                    5.44 *
  No
How Many time a week do you drink?
  0                                      5.38
  1
  2
  3>
How many drinks do you usually have on a give
evening when drinking?
  0                                      1.84
  1-3
  4-6
  7-9
  10>
Where do you think your heaviest drinking occurs?
  In residence hall                     36.26 **
  At fraternity party
  Off-campus apts
  At area bars
  Other
Since arriving at college, has your drinking:
  Increased                              0.87
  Decreased
  Remained the same
Since joining your fraternity/sorority, has your
drinking:
  Increased                              0.83
  Deceased
  Remained the same
As a pledge or a member, were you (are you) ever
pressured to drink?
  Yes                                    0.95
  No
Do you usually drink (check all that apply):
  To celebrate/have a good time?        11.92 **
  To relieve school pressure?
  Because your friends are drinking?
  When you're feel sad, angry, upset?
Do you see yourself as a responsible drinker?
  Yes                                   7.73 **
  No
Has a friend expressed concern about your drinking?
  Yes
  No                                    19.45 **

Have you thought, you might have a drinking problem?
  Yes
  No                                    17.02 **

Chi-square analysis was based on totals for the 1994 and 2000 samples.

* p<.05

** p<.01

Table 2: Consequences of alcohol use since arriving at college for 1994
and 2000 samples (reported in percentages)

                                                      1994
                                      Fraternity    Sorority     Total
                                       (n=142)      (n=161)     (N=303)

Since arriving at college have you:

Gotten Drunk?
  Yes                                    93.6         88.2       90.8
  No                                      6.4         11.8        9.2
Had a hangover?
  Yes                                    86.6         86.9       86.8
  No                                     13.4         13.1       13.2
Used a fake ID/borrowed Id to
obtain alcohol?
  Yes                                    38.0         42.2       40.3
  No                                     62.0         57.8       59.7
Provided alcohol for someone under
age/minor?
  Yes                                    63.4         47.8       55.1
  No                                     36.6         52.2       44.9
Allowed a friend to drive while
intoxicated?
  Yes                                    66.9         54.7       60.4
  No                                     33.1         45.3       39.6
Driven a car when you knew you had
too much to drink?
  Yes                                    53.5         41.6       47.2
  No                                     46.5         58.4       52.8
Cut class due to alcohol (hangover,
party, happy hour)?
  Yes                                    64.8         62.7       63.7
  No                                     35.2         37.3       36.3
Damaged property (used an
extinguisher or other behavior)?
  Yes                                    40.1         10.6       24.4
  No                                     59.9         89.4       75.6
Gotten into a fight/screaming
match, or been aggressive?
  Yes                                    58.5         36.7       56.9
  No                                     41.5         63.3       53.1
Not been able to remember what
happened while you were drinking?
  Yes                                    71.2         68.9       70.0
  No                                     28.8         31.1       30.0
Done something after drinking that
you later regretted?
  Yes                                    73.9         68.3       71.0
  No                                     26.1         31.7       29.0
Had sex with someone you wouldn't
have normally?
  Yes                                    59.2         50.3       54.5
  No                                     40.8         49.7       45.5
Seriously thought about suicide
while drinking?
  Yes                                    10.6          4.3        7.3
  No                                     89.4         95.7       92.7
Taken advantage of someone
sexually?
  Yes                                    14.1          8.1       10.9
  No                                     85.9         91.9       89.1
Been taken advantage of sexually>
  Yes                                    23.9         21.7       22.8
  No                                     76.1         78.3       77.2

                                                      2000
                                      Fraternity    Sorority     Total
                                        (n=89)      (n=116)     (N=205)

Since arriving at college have you:

Gotten Drunk?
  Yes                                    93.1         87.3       89.8
  No                                      6.9         12.7       10.2
Had a hangover?
  Yes                                    90.8         88.6       89.5
  No                                      9.2         11.4       10.5
Used a fake ID/borrowed Id to
obtain alcohol?
  Yes                                    34.1         18.1       25.0
  No                                     65.9         81.9       75.0
Provided alcohol for someone under
age/minor?
  Yes                                    62.5         45.6       53.0
  No                                     37.5         54.4       47.0
Allowed a friend to drive while
intoxicated?
  Yes                                    48.3         28.7       37.1
  No                                     51.7         71.3       62.9
Driven a car when you knew you had
too much to drink?
  Yes                                    43.2         14.8       27.1
  No                                     56.8         85.2       72.9
Cut class due to alcohol (hangover,
party, happy hour)?
  Yes                                    47.7         41.7       45.8
  No                                     52.3         58.3       54.2
Damaged property (used an
extinguisher or other behavior)?
  Yes                                    31.0          6.0       16.8
  No                                     69.0         94.0       83.2
Gotten into a fight/screaming
match, or been aggressive?
  Yes                                    34.5         31.3       32.7
  No                                     65.5         68.7       67.3
Not been able to remember what
happened while you were drinking?
  Yes                                    62.1         63.2       62.7
  No                                     37.9         36.8       37.3
Done something after drinking that
you later regretted?
  Yes                                    52.9         62.3       58.2
  No                                     47.1         37.7       41.8
Had sex with someone you wouldn't
have normally?
  Yes                                    44.8         42.8       42.8
  No                                     55.2         57.2       57.2
Seriously thought about suicide
while drinking?
  Yes                                     4.6          7.0        6.0
  No                                     95.4         93.0       94.0
Taken advantage of someone
sexually?
  Yes                                    10.3          3.5        6.5
  No                                     89.7         96.5       93.5

Been taken advantage of sexually>
  Yes                                    27.6         16.7       21.4
  No                                     72.4         83.3       78.6

                                      [chi square]

Since arriving at college have you:

Gotten Drunk?
  Yes                                    0.20
  No
Had a hangover?
  Yes                                    0.87
  No
Used a fake ID/borrowed Id to
obtain alcohol?
  Yes                                   12.66 **
  No
Provided alcohol for someone under
age/minor?
  Yes                                    0.24
  No
Allowed a friend to drive while
intoxicated?
  Yes                                   26.26 **
  No
Driven a car when you knew you had
too much to drink?
  Yes                                   20.65 **
  No
Cut class due to alcohol (hangover,
party, happy hour)?
  Yes                                   15.91 **
  No
Damaged property (used an
extinguisher or other behavior)?
  Yes                                    4.25 *
  No
Gotten into a fight/screaming
match, or been aggressive?
  Yes                                   10.09 **
  No
Not been able to remember what
happened while you were drinking?
  Yes                                    2.90
  No
Done something after drinking that
you later regretted?
  Yes                                    8.76 *
  No
Had sex with someone you wouldn't
have normally?
  Yes                                    6.59 *
  No
Seriously thought about suicide
while drinking?
  Yes                                    0.36
  No
Taken advantage of someone
sexually?
  Yes                                    2.90
  No
Been taken advantage of sexually>
  Yes                                    0.15
  No

Chi-square analysis was based on totals for the 1994 and 2000 samples.

* p <.05

** p <.01

References

Alva, S.A. (1998). Self-reported alcohol use of college fraternity and sorority members. Journal of College Student Development, 39, 3-10.

Baer, J.S., Kivlahan, D.R., & Marlatt, G.A. (1995). High risk drinking across that transition from high school to college. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 19, 54-61.

Cashin, J.R., Presley, C.A., & Meilman, P.W. (1998). Alcohol use in the Greek system: Follow the leader? Journal of Studies in Alcohol 59 63-70.

Goodwin, L. (1992). Alcohol and drug use in fraternities and sororities. Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education, 40, 39-41.

Higher Education Center (1997). Be vocal be visible, be visionary: Recommendations of College and University Presidents on Alcohol and other Drug Prevention. Available from the Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention, 55, Chapel Street, Newton, MA 02158

Klein, H. (1992). College students' attitudes toward the use of alcoholic beverages. Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education, 37, 35-52.

Office of Substance Abuse Prevention (1991). Alcohol practices, policies, and potentials of American colleges and universities: A white paper. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC.

Presley, C.A. Meilman. P.W., & Lyerla, R. (1993). Alcohol and drug use among residents of Greek houses. Discoveries: A Bulliten of the Core Institute, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL.

Tampke, D.R. (1990). Alcohol behavior, risk perception, and fraternity and sorority membership. National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Journal, 28, 71-77.

Walker, M., & Avioli, P.S. (1991). College students' perceptions of their misuse of alcohol. EDRS#ED343480.

Wechsler, H. (1995). Binge drinking on American college campuses: A new look at an old problem. Boston, MA: Harvard School of Public Health.

Wechsler, H., & Kuh, G., Davenport, A.E. (1996). Fraternities, sororities and binge drinking: Results from a national study of American Colleges. National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Journal, 33, 260-279.

Wechsler, H., Lee, J.E., Juo, M., & Lee, H. (2000). College binge drinking in the 1990's : A continuing problem. Journal of American College Health, 48, 199-210.

SANDRA L. CARON, Ph.D. *

EILEAN G. MOSKEY M.S.

CINDY A. HOVEY B.S.

The University of Maine 

* All Correspondence should be sent to: Sandra L. Caron, Ph.D., University of Maine 12 Merrill Hall, Orono, ME 04469 Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]