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15: College Health: Populations With Alcohol Use

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instructor material

DOI:

10.1891/9780826148346.0015

Authors

  • BARTOS, SUSAN

Abstract

Alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug in the United States, particularly among the youth population, aged 12 to 20 years, despite the legal age of consumption remaining at 21 years. Binge drinking in the academic environment is an emerging public health concern. Nurses working with the collegiate population should have a strong understanding of available resources and the ability to make referrals if necessary. There are multiple known screening tools to identify students at risk. Additionally, there are documented, multifaceted interventions that nurses can use to focus on prevention in this population and when treatment is initiated. This approach should combine brief motivational interviewing sessions with personalized feedback interventions combined with access to a variety of resources. These resources may include group sessions, substance-free entertainment options, and stress management or education to boost healthy coping mechanisms.