What They're Saying About CASA

“Look at national trends, we know that alcohol abuse is the single greatest health issue affecting college students.”

Margaret Garner, director of health and wellness at the University of Alabama, as quoted in The Crimson White.

“If you know the right people, it’s easy to find.”

Kaitylyn, an NYU freshman, speaking about the accessibility of prescription drugs like Adderall, as quoted in the Washington Square News.

“There’s a consistent rise in prescription-drug and alcohol abuse on college campuses. [It’s] nearly out of control, kind of constant, partying subculture. …It’s a phenomenon of college. It’s a phenomenon of our society.”

Luke Nasta, director of Camelot Counseling Centers, as quoted in the Staten Island Advance.

“This is a serious public and social problem, and we do need to be, you know, taking serious measures to address it.”

Toben Nelson, research associate at the Harvard School of Public Health, appearing on CNN’s Lou Dobbs Tonight.

“There’s a lot of reasons that, you know, the students are finding reasons to drink – when they’re done with an exam, or there’s lots of bar specials all the time, too, cheap, cheap beer. Cheap shots. Anything.”

Amy Gnotek, a senior at Michigan State University, appearing on CNN’s Lou Dobbs Tonight.

“It’s getting more intense. Drinking games that were happening in private parties or houses or bonfires 10 years ago are now happening in public venues. That to me reflects a sort of larger acceptance of extreme drinking.”

Carol Falkowski, director of research communications for the Hazelden Foundation, an addiction treatment and research group, as quoted in the Associated Press.

“I think a lot of presidents are aware of (increasing alcohol and drug problems among students), and they are struggling to come to grips with it.”

Donald Harward, president emeritus of Bates College in Maine, as quoted in USA Today.

“Administrators can provide part of the solution, but a campus is not an island. It is the responsibility, too, of families, law enforcement, alumni and local businesses. Part of the problem is the availability of alcohol, the price of alcohol. All of those things have an impact on whether a student drinks.”

Kim Dude, director of the University of Missouri-Columbia Wellness Resource Center, as quoted in the Colorado Daily.

“At one of my friend’s schools, they all smoke (pot) on the lawn in the middle of the day. They know the administration won’t do anything about it.”

Juliane Corman, a Columbia University sophomore, as quoted in the New York Daily News.

“We’ll never get rid of all substance abuse. But if we adopt a more reasonable approach to alcohol and adulthood, we can eliminate much of the drinking born of simple defiance and focus our attention on the kids who really need help: the ones drinking to escape mental, emotional or spiritual problems. They deserve better that what we’ve given.”

                                                Ruth Ann Dailey, columnist for The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

“We are aware as an institution, and have been aware, of the changing dynamic over the past 15 years. We understood that we’re getting students who have been drinking in high school, but to hear that numbers are so high is alarming.”

Zenobia Hikes, Virginia Tech’s vice president for student affairs, as quoted in the Roanoke Times & World News.

“It is a cultural issue. It is college culture. If you want to get the good work done, you have to change the culture around alcohol."

Eric Hoffman, University of Maryland alcohol coordinator, appearing on NBC10.com.

“I’ve actually met more kids here at NYU that have been sent to the hospital or emergency rooms because of alcohol poisoning than I’ve ever experienced back at home. I think it’s kind of ridiculous how kids lose control of themselves.”

                                                Jordan Sun, a NYU student, appearing on NY1 News.

“The increase of heavy drinking is a real problem; in time it’s going to result in more young adults and middle age adults who are alcoholic. The increase in pill use is really mushroomed in the last few decades, and that’s leading to pill addiction, opioid addiction, stimulant addiction in ways we haven’t seen before.”

Dr. Marc Galanter, director of the division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuses, appearing on NY1 News.

“Binge drinking and drug abuse are often intertwined with other perilous behaviors such as drunken driving, criminal activity and risky sexual behavior. Curbing drug and alcohol abuse would go a long way to reduce other troublesome issues on college campuses, not to mention curb legal liability. …Seemingly, involving parents from the first infraction should add some heft to any sanctions leveled by the university. Anything that discourages substance abuse and encourages lifestyle habits that allow students to make the most of their talents is a step in the right direction.”

                                                From an editorial in the Deseret Morning News.

“Substance abuse counselors say this enabling culture must be changed. The most effective control on campus are tough restrictions including steps that many colleges are reluctant to take. Ban all alcohol on campus in dorms and at student parties. Keep alcohol out of football games and other sports events. Slap fines on students caught with even one drink and suspend or expel repeat offenders. Short of these dramatic steps, colleges can still do much more. …That way, many students who arrive on campus thinking it’s cool to get drunk can be persuaded over time that it’s far cooler, healthier and smarter to stay sober.”

                                                From an editorial in The Record.