Hydrating fraternities-Project H2O

Background: This project was conceived to provide alternatives to alcohol use at fraternity parties at a university in Virginia. Bottled water was made available along with risk reduction informational flyers near areas were alcohol was served. The project was to determine if an alternative to alcohol was provided, would it be utilized.

Methods: Each fraternity on this campus holds parties approximately twice a month with approximately 350 students between ages 18-24 attending. The study was an observational study to determine if bottled water was made available at these parties, would it be consumed in place of alcohol. No other beverages were served. Flyers promoting harm reduction while consuming alcohol were placed near the water tables.

Results: At the end of the party, all 300 bottles of water had been consumed and alcohol consumption was less than at the previous party where no water was available. Student were observed reading flyers practicing the risk reduction technique of alternating beer and water consumption. Some students only drank water. Interviews with both students attending the event and the fraternity members sponsoring the event provided positive feedback and the desire to continue the program.

Conclusions: Fraternities are interested in providing social functions that appeal to the greatest number of students. The social norm at fraternity parties is perceived to be alcohol consumption, so that is usually the only beverage provided. This project proved that perception to be false and that if alternatives to alcohol are provided, they will be consumed in place of alcohol.