How prevalent is denial of alcohol problems among college students?

Denial is a perennial issue with alcohol abusers and plays a prominent role in the clinical literature and research. However, there is very little information on how susceptible college students are to denial. Multiyear data from a sample 26,642 students (66% female; 72% Caucasian) from nine schools administering the National College Health Assessment is used to investigate the evidence related to denial of problem drinking among college students. Students who report that alcohol negatively affected their academic performance (Alc+ group, n=2,195) report significantly higher drinking, based on estimated Blood Alcohol Content (eBAC=.133; sd=.002), than other students (Alc- group, n=23,709; eBAC=.06; sd=.0005)(t=-42.62, df=25853, p<.001). Only 157 students in the Alc- group fit the criteria for highest-risk-drinkers (drank on 20+ days in the last month AND drove after 5 or more drinks AND had 5 or more drinks at least once in two weeks). These students had significantly higher eBACs than other Alc- students (.16 vs. .07; t=-17.07, df=23661, p<.001) but not significantly different GPAs. This group of 157 students had a significantly HIGHER mean eBAC than Alc+ students (.16 vs .13, t=4.24, df=2346, p<.001) but also a significantly HIGHER mean GPA (3.12 vs. 2.86, t=4.24, df=2346, p<.001). They were very similar to Alc+ students in the experience of non-academic negative consequences. For college students, it appears that academic performance is an important factor in determining denial. The presentation will focus on the demographic and descriptive hallmarks of these 157 “deniers” and on the implication for intervention programs.