Campus drinking statistics show positive trends

To the editor:

The week of Oct. 20-26 is National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, an opportune time to reflect on the tremendous progress that has been made fighting alcohol abuse on college campuses and to focus on what can be done to continue these positive trends.

The percentage of college freshmen who say they drink beer frequently or occasionally is at its lowest since record-keeping began in 1966. In fact, three-fourths of college students drink moderately, infrequently or not at all.

Students who abuse alcohol create problems far disproportional to their numbers. We need to focus on abusers while reinforcing and recognizing the responsible behavior practiced by the majority. For those under the legal drinking age, this means abstinence.

More colleges and universities are adopting a social-norms approach aimed at changing the way students typically think about drinking on college campuses. The focus is on the positive behavior of the majority of students.

There is still work to be done. However, the news is good, and the numbers are going down. By working together, we all make a difference.

AMANDA RICHARDET

Consumer Awareness and Education Coordinator

River Eagle Distributing Co.

Cape Girardeau