Targeting high-risk college drinking by location and time: A place-based environmental approach

This poster takes a socio-geographic approach to the issue of high-risk drinking and related harms on the U.S. college campus. Using a map of UC Berkeley, this poster will describe and explain how alcohol-related harms are clustered by high risk locations/times, and will demonstrate how prevention programs aimed primarily at location rather than the general student body have been successful in reducing alcohol-related harm.

In 2006, analysis of student survey and local incident data revealed clear place- and time-based patterns for high risk drinking. So, we updated our prevention strategies beyond our population-wide and population-specific efforts. We initiated programs focusing on this intersection of high risk times (Game Days, weekends, first eight weeks of semester) and high-risk locations (the walk to the stadium; fraternities; perpetual off-campus party houses). Early positive outcomes led to ongoing data collection, analysis and programs designed to alter the student experience of those environments (Saltz 2010). Examples of this programming include: a police visibility program; a meet-and-greet campaign to introduce and educate student and non-student neighbors; and a pregame harm reduction program focused on hydration/slowing drinking, as well as minimizing damage to the physical environment. The results continue to be encouraging; for example, a 39% reduction in public nuisance calls between fall 2011 and fall 2012 (Berkeley Police Reports). We recommend that other campuses consider place-based, targeted programs.