Hiding in Plain Sight: Low-Risk Drinkers in the Greek System

Abstract

This study examined personal alcohol use, perceptions of peer use, protective behavioral strategies, and negative consequences associated with alcohol use among 276 high- and low-quantity drinking (HQD/LQD) "Greek" members from three colleges. Overall, 32.6% of this sample met the criteria for LQD. Compared to HQDs, LQDs believe their peers consume less alcohol, and LQDs are more likely to use 6 of 10 protective behavioral strategies. These six protective behavioral strategies reinforce low-quantity drinking, whereas protective behavioral strategies used by HQDs reinforce safety while drinking. Results demonstrate the necessity of careful differentiation among Greek members prior to design and implementation of alcohol-related interventions.

Strategies associated with low‐risk drinking: a population‐based study

“…‘always’) was a strong predictor of low‐risk drinking. The inverse relationship demonstrated here is consistent with previous studies examining protective behavioural strategies (PBS) use and alcohol 8,12–15,28 . Our findings indicate that using any of the strategies always (compared to never) predicted low‐risk drinking, and three strategies were particularly strong predictors of low‐risk drinking.…”

“…‘alternating alcoholic drinks and non‐alcoholic drinks’) was associated with lower alcohol use 8,12,14 . In another study, 15 students who consumed alcohol at lower levels tended, more than heavier drinkers, to regularly employ strategies enabling them to moderate their alcohol intake such as ‘pacing drinks’ and ‘avoiding drinking games’. Regular use of other strategies were more common among heavier drinkers, namely ‘eating before or while drinking’ and ‘using a designated driver’; these strategies have the potential to facilitate heavy drinking while also minimising alcohol‐related harm.…”

Determining the Effectiveness of an Alcohol Intervention Program With Greek College Students

“…This pattern is even more prevalent in the Greek system, where students view heavy drinking behavior as a tradition and express a sense of accomplishment. Although not all members of the Greek organizations are high‐quantity drinkers, over 67% of members could be classified this way (Killos & Keller, ).…”