Larrell Wilkinson¹, Stuart Usdan, PhD, CHES², Laura Talbott, MS, CHES³, Jason Flatt¹, and Jennifer Cremeens⁴. (1) Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, University of South Carolina, 800 Sumter St., HESC 216, Columbia, SC 29209, 803-777.3933, wilkinll@gwm.sc.edu, (2) Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Univeristy of South Carolina, 800 Sumter Street, HESC 220, Columbia, SC 29208, (3) Doctoral Student, University of South Carolina, 1800 Long Creek Drive 12-O, Columbia, SC 29210, (4) Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 800 Sumter St., HESC 221C, Columbia, SC 29208

The current widespread use of alcohol among college students is clearly one of the most serious health problems facing U.S. college campuses. One of the most dangerous consequences of heavy alcohol use is the progression into illicit drug use, especially among younger college students. College student drinkers who also use illicit drugs are at an increased risk for such negative consequences as driving under the influence, sexual assaults, violence and aggression, and long-term health problems. The Harvard College Alcohol Study found that marijuana users were almost seven times more likely to have engaged in binge drinking in the past 30 days. While numerous strategies to prevent heavy alcohol use among college students have been employed over the past several years, few interventions focus on the influence of alcohol use in either the initiation or escalation of illicit drug use among first-year students. For this study, the Core Drug and Alcohol Survey was administered to freshmen (N=407) living in campus residence halls. Similar to national averages, a little less than 40% reported recent binge drinking and 13% reported marijuana use in the last 30 days. The proportion of students who reported increasing or continuing illicit drug use was significantly higher among student binge drinkers (24.2% vs. 6.7%, chi-square=24.8, p<.001). Similarly, increases in alcohol use was significantly higher among marijuana users than non-users (49.1% vs. 27.2%, chi-square=10.4, p<.01). Based on these findings it is imperative that universities address poly-substance use in their efforts to reduce alcohol and drug-related problems on campus.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, the participant will be able to

• Discuss trends in alcohol and illicit drug use among college students
• Understand the role of heavy alcohol use into the progression of illicit drug use
• Identify promising prevention strategies to reduce negative consequences of drug and alcohol use for first-year college students

Keywords: Alcohol, College Students

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.