Event-specific prevention: Addressing college student drinking during known windows of risk

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2007.05.010 Byline: Clayton Neighbors (a), Scott T. Walters (b), Christine M. Lee (a), Amanda M. Vader (b), Tamara Vehige (c), Thomas Szigethy (d), William DeJong (c) Keywords: College; Alcohol; Prevention; Intervention; Policy Abstract: The unique drinking patterns of college students call for Event-Specific Prevention (ESP) strategies that address college student drinking associated with peak times and events. Despite limited research evaluating ESP, many college campuses are currently implementing programming for specific events. The present paper provides a review of existing literature related to ESP and offers practical guidance for research and practice. The prevention typology proposed by DeJong and Langford [DeJong, W. & Langford, L. M. (2002). A typology for campus-based alcohol prevention: Moving toward environmental management strategies. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 140-147.] provides a framework for strategic planning, suggesting that programs and policies should address problems at the individual, group, institution, community, state, and society level, and that these interventions should focus on knowledge change, environmental change, health protection, and intervention and treatment services. From this typology, specific examples are provided for comprehensive program planning related to orientation/beginning of school year, homecoming, 21st birthday celebrations, spring break, and graduation. In addition, the University of Connecticut's efforts to address problems resulting from its annual Spring Weekend are described as an illustration of how advance planning by campus and community partners can produce a successful ESP effort. Author Affiliation: (a) Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Box 354694, Seattle, WA, 98105, United States (b) University of Texas School of Public Health, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., V-8, Room 112, Dallas, TX 75390, United States (c) Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Youth Alcohol Prevention Center, Boston University of School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, United States (d) Dean of Students Office, Wilbur Cross Building, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, United States Article History: Received 30 March 2007; Accepted 17 May 2007