“Knowledge-based, informational approaches to addressing alcohol are an ineffective practice”
                        -NIAAA “A Call to Action” (www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov)

In a world of scarce resources and limited opportunities, universities need to be careful about the means they choose to address alcohol issues with students.  No one wants to spend good money on a speaker, program or online class, only to have a negligible educational impact.  I don’t want you to waste your money, either.  I want you to have a strong educational impact from the efforts you put forward.  But, I may or may not be the right person to help you.  The "Ten Things" program I present is not the right program for every campus, but it might be just the right program for some campuses. 

None of the studies state the conclusion that all educational speakers are not a best practice, though I have heard this excuse used by those looking for a reason to avoid the cost of speakers. 

Studies such as those done by Larimer and Langford suggest that evaluation of informational, knowledge-based approaches generally do not result in quantifiable positive behavioral change. They don’t reduce high-risk drinking.  And, when the NIAAA identified knowledge-based, informational approaches in its Tier 4 (ineffective programs), it very explicitly acknowledged that knowledge-based, informational approaches are not effective WHEN USED ALONE.  If you want to use my “Ten Things” program in isolation, as your only alcohol outreach to students, I don’t want your business.  I want to be effective, and if you use me or any other educational effort in isolation, you’ll deserve the unimpressive results you get. 

I want you to fit me into the comprehensive strategy that you have in place.  If my approach makes sense thematically, and fits with your high-risk drinking philosophical approach, “Ten Things” will reinforce and strengthen the overall impact of your efforts.  I ask you to evaluate the impact of “Ten Things.”  I’ll provide pre and post-tests.  Guest speakers, when used as part of a comprehensive strategy, can strengthen that strategy.  We connect with students and create engagement that many other types of interventions do not achieve.  Guest speakers have been used by colleges for years because our educational value makes intuitive sense.  Give us the right supportive environment, don’t expect us to be a one-hour cure, and we will help you to achieve the results you desire. 

For those of you familiar with the NIAAA’s four-tiered approach, I think you will find that “Ten Things” is not easily shoehorned into any one tier. 

• It certainly is not a typical knowledge-based, informational approach like those evaluated in the research and included in Tier 4.  It does not teach any student how to calculate BAC, because that just helps them to know when they’ve hit that .28 BAC they’ve been shooting for.
• “Ten Things” has elements of Tier 1 programs, which show evidence of effectiveness.  The Alcohol Skills Training Program has for years helped to equip students with tools for moderate drinking, and “Ten Things” incorporates next generation ideas for encouraging moderate drinking amongst students who choose to drink in a large-audience format. 
• Tier 2 focuses on effective programs for generalized audiences, which may be applicable to college audiences.  Many of these strategies embrace enforcement and consequence-based approaches, and you will find that “Ten Things” has a strong component emphasizing both the nature of enforcement of campus alcohol rules and local laws, and the consequences for violations. 
• You will also find the program incorporates aspects of Tier 3, the promising practices.  Much of the emphasis on harm reduction and protective behaviors is grounded in social norms, and the program strives to incorporate positive campus norms based on your data.

If you are looking for a theoretically-sound, philosophy-grounded program on problem drinking from a presenter who knows the research, understands the literature and wants to be an effective part of your overall strategy, click here to learn more about “Ten Things.”

BACK TO TOP