Campus Health officials say heavy drinking at UA is declining

National campaigns that warn college students about the dangers of alcohol are not working, according to a recent federally funded study, but Campus Health officials say UA's program is on target.

According to the national study, more than 1,400 college students die each year in alcohol-related deaths. The study, sponsored by the Task Force on College Drinking, found that programs offered at colleges nationwide don't focus enough on peer pressure or on the "culture of drinking."

Jennifer Maggs, a family studies professor who took part in the study, said that while peer pressure may not seem to be as prevalent as in years past, it's become more indirect.

She said that although a student may only drink four drinks in an evening, friends tend to think they've drunk more.

Campus Health started a campaign last year, informing students that the majority of college students only drink four drinks in an evening.

Melissa McGee, a coordinator for the campaign, said that since 1995, heavy drinking on the UA campus has declined by 29 percent. She said this indicates that promoting safe drinking on campus has been successful.

McGee said that although the number is tragic, it is a very low percentage compared to the more than 3 million students who are attending college in the United States.

The study estimated that drinking by college students contributes to 500,000 injuries and 70,000 cases of sexual assault each year. Also, 400,000 students between 18 and 24 years old reported having unprotected sex after drinking.

Motor vehicle fatalities were the most common form of alcohol-related deaths. The statistics included college students killed in car accidents who had alcohol in their blood, even if the level was below the legal limit.

Maggs said events like spring break also pressure students to drink.

One student felt that peer pressure wasn't an issue at all on campus.

"The only reason people go out to drink is to drink," said Kate Rollins, psychology freshman.

Liz Quinter, a business sophomore, said the decision students make to drink is by choice.

"I think they go out to drink because they want to," she said.

University of Arizona Police Department Cmdr. Brian Seastone said that only two students have died from alcohol-related incidents in recent years.

In September 2000, James T. Haley was under the influence of alcohol when he was killed in a motorcycle accident.

Ten years ago, a student who was released after being arrested for driving under the influence later got into a fight with his brother, suffering a blow to his head that killed him, Seastone said.