Fraternities have long been a significant aspect of college life for many students, often representing an important tradition passed down through generations. For some, joining Greek Life is as integral to the college experience as academics.
While fraternities are known for fostering leadership skills and contributing valuable community services, they also face challenges due to their association with heavy alcohol consumption and the negative consequences that can accompany it. This darker aspect often overshadows the positive contributions fraternities make to their communities.
“One ten-year study detailed that Greek life in college resulted in chronic alcohol abuse. It found that out of 3,400 members, 97 percent of them drank alcohol regularly, and many were classified as binge drinkers that didn’t know when to stop.”
Alcohol Use in Fraternities
Alcohol use in fraternities is a widespread issue. Many students consider it an integral part of the fraternity experience and party culture, yet it poses significant risks, including serious injury or death. Additionally, alcohol often plays a central role in social activities, hazing, and pledging rituals within fraternities.
Research by the University of Michigan found that:
- About half of all fraternity members have experienced alcohol use disorder (AUD) by the age of 35.
- Even just one semester in a fraternity resulted in higher binge drinking rates during and after college through the age of 35.
An article in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs gave these startling statistics about college drinking:
- 600,000 alcohol-related unintentional injuries every year.
- 700,000 assaults annually by college students who were drinking.
- 1,500 alcohol-related student deaths.
- In 97,000 sexual assault cases yearly in college, alcohol played a factor.
Preventing Harmful Alcohol Use in Fraternities
According to the Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention, college and universities should:
- Promote alcohol- and drug-free social, recreational, and extracurricular options and public service.
- Create a social, academic, and residential environment that promotes healthy social norms.
- Limiting alcohol availability and access.
- Limit marketing and promotion of alcohol.
- Enforce campus policy and state and local laws.
By working with campus prevention specialists and implementing a multi-factor approach, fraternities and sororities can target the culture of drinking in their Greek organizations and prevent and reduce harm. An essential component to changing students’ attitudes about drinking is prevention education.
Greek Wise: Alcohol Prevention Education for Fraternities and Sororities
Greek Wise is a two-hour online course for fraternities and sororities which is designed to reduce risks and make a positive impact on Greek organizations. It teaches students alcohol awareness and covers topics of social responsibility and bystander awareness. It helps students develop the skills for making good decisions, assessing behavior, and recognizing the consequences of using alcohol.
Greek Wise can be easily incorporated into new member education. Through effective alcohol prevention education, fraternity and sorority leadership can help their chapters be safer and healthier, and can work with colleges and universities to effectively reduce frequent and heavy drinking.
Make a Change in Your Greek Life
If you’re looking to improve campus life or to continue a culture of excellence in your Greek organization, consider 3rd Millennium Classrooms. We offer a suite of evidence-based courses that can help with everything from prevention education to intervention courses for sanctions. Get in touch to bring our online courses to your campus today.
References:
Borsari, B., Hustad, J. T., & Capone, C. (2009). Alcohol use in the Greek system, 1999-2009: a decade of progress. Current drug abuse reviews, 2(3), 216–255. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874473710902030216
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (n.d.). Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs. College Drinking, Changing the Culture. https://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/supporting-research/journal-articles/journal-studies-alcohol-and-drugs
University of Michigan. (2022, April 1). Majority of adolescents with severe substance use disorder don’t grow out of it. University of Michigan News. https://news.umich.edu/majority-of-adolescents-with-severe-substance-use-disorder-dont-grow-out-of-it/
