UAA Core Alcohol & Drug Survey November 2014 Findings Presentation April 21, 2015 11:30 AM 12:30 PM Student Union, Lyla Richards
Why We Do Core To assess the perceptions and use of alcohol and other drugs by UAA students. Administered every four years to study trends. This year, the study was funded by CMCA, Communities Mobilizing for Change in Alcohol. Results will be shared with the Anchorage Coalition.
The Last 4 Years Anchorage District Attorney Changes Position on UPD's Authority to Issue MCA Citations Alaska Marijuana Initiative Passed New Substances Powdered Alcohol, Four Loco, Molly, Spice Landmark Study Conducted on Effectiveness of Sanctions used to Address Misuse of Alcohol on College Campuses. UAA Becomes Tobacco and Smoke-Free Campus Alcohol For Sale at Alaska Airlines Center
Issues We Face at UAA Over 90% of violations still occur in UAA on campus living. 80% of students who violate UAA's alcohol policy do so only once. Steady drop in alcohol violations from 220 violations in FY05 to 120 violations in FY13. Approximately 40 drug violations per year. Nearly all involve small quantities of marijuana. Other isolated cases include 1 student misusing meth, 2 students eating mushrooms, 1 student selling prescription pills, and several students misusing over the counter drugs.
Methodology Administered electronically to a random sample of 3,800 UAA students Participants must be 18 years of age or older and enrolled in the fall 2014 semester with 3-credit hours or more. Completed by 454 UAA students (12% response rate) Between November 11 and December 5, 2014. UAA has utilized the Core Survey in 2004, 2006, and 2010.
85% of respondents believe the average student on campus uses alcohol once a week or more. How much do students actually drink?
85% of respondents believe the average student on campus uses alcohol once a week or more. How much do students actually drink? 56% of respondents report consuming on average one or more drinks per week.
67% of respondents believe the average student on campus uses tobacco once a week or more. How much tobacco do students really use?
67% of respondents believe the average student on campus uses tobacco once a week or more. How much tobacco do students really use? 13% of respondents report using tobacco once per week or more within the last year.
62% of respondents believe the average student on campus uses marijuana once a week or more. How much marijuana do students really use?
62% of respondents believe the average student on campus uses marijuana once a week or more. How much marijuana do students really use? 8% of respondents report using marijuana once per week or more within the last year.
Alcohol Consumption Alcohol Consumption 90% 80% 81% 80% 2010 70% 64% 67% 2014 60% 50% 40% 50% 45% 30% 30% 26% 20% 10% 0% In Past Year In Past Month (All Students) In Past Month (Underage) Binge Drinking Within Past Two Weeks
Alcohol Consumption Binge drinking has decreased significantly, from 30% in 2010 down to 26%in 2014 (a binge is defined as 5 or more drinks in one sitting for this survey) Driving under the influence decreased 7% -- from 20% in 2010 to 13% in 2014. 51% Drinking 5 or more beverages during a single occassion is okay as long as you can handle it 24% 25% Strongly Agree/Agree Neutral Strongly Disagree/Disagree
Tobacco Use The 30 day prevalence (use within the past month) of tobacco decreased 9% from 2010. The annual prevalence (use within the past year) of tobacco decreased 7% from 2010. UAA s new smoke and tobacco free policy effective November 19, 2015.
Marijuana Use Both the annual prevalence and 30-day prevalence of marijuana decreased 3% from 2010 Students reported less marijuana use on a regular basis (3 times a week or more) The new marijuana law is a new State law. UAA is under federal regulation and it is still against UAA policy.
Illegal Drugs Illegal drug use is not high on campus Compared to the national average we are very low Drug use in the past month, students reported numbers that are the same as 2010 Illegal drug use in the past year has gone down 1%
Improving Trends TOBACCO, MARIIJUNA, AND ILLEGAL DRUG USAGE 35% 33% 31% 30% 25% 26% 24% 28% 2010 2014 20% 15% 15% 17% 14% 13% 12% 10% 5% 6% 6% 0% Tobacco Past year Tobacco Past Month Marijuana Usage Past Year Marijuana Usage Past Month Illegal Drug Usage (Not Marijuana) Past Year Illegal Drug Usage (Not Marijuana) Past Month
Underage Alcohol and Drug Use Underage alcohol consumption decreased from 50% in 2010 to 45% in 2014. 45% of underage respondents currently use alcohol (30-day prevalence) vs. 73% over 21. 16% of underage respondents currently use marijuana (30-day prevalence) vs. 14% over 21. 75% of respondents first used alcohol (beer, wine, liquor) before the age of 21. 21 st Birthday Cards
Reference Group Comparison The average number of drinks consumed per week by respondents is 2.5 drinks. The national average is 4.4 drinks. Higher percentage of UAA respondents reporting that they think they might have a drinking or other drug problem 12% at UAA compared to 9% in the reference group.
Student Opinions Drinking is a normal part of college life. 23% 83% of respondents would rather not have drugs available at parties. 37% of respondents would rather not have alcohol available at parties. 54% 22% Strongly Agree/Agree Neutral Strongly Disagree/Disagree
Higher acceptance of frequent Marijuana use than Alcohol Frequently getting drunk is okay if that is what the person wants to do 10% Frequently smoking marijuana is okay if that is what the person wants to do 22% 19% 52% 71% 26% Strongly Agree/Agree Neutral Strongly Disagree/Disagree Strongly Agree/Agree Neutral Strongly Disagree/Disagree
Increased Awareness 45% in 2014 vs. 28% in 2010 86% in 2014 vs. 74% in 2010 Awareness of Prevention Programs Awareness of Alcohol & Drug Policies 1% 14% 0% 45% 54% UAA has an alcohol & drug prevention program Don't know There isn't a program 86% UAA has alcohol & drug policies Don't know There isn't a policy
Resources for Students 45% of respondents said the campus has an alcohol and drug prevention program. This number is up from 28% in 2010. Sober living group on campus twice a week Weekly groups on Mondays in the Gorucsh Commons Monthly tabling for students and faculty around campus Past social norming campaign about students perception of drug use
Current Efforts Amnesty Policy Encourage Reporting of More Serious Crimes Encourage Students to Help Themselves or Others in Need Sanctioning Model Analysis of Individuals Found Responsible for Violating AOD Policies, by Race/Ethnicity
For more information, contact: Amanda Kookesh Alcohol, Drug, & Wellness Educator arkookesh@uaa.alaska.edu Michael Votava Director of Student Conduct & Ethical Development mvotava@uaa.alaska.edu Whitney Brown Coordinator of SA Research, Assessment, & Staff Development wabrown3@uaa.alaska.edu