By Anick Jesdanun, Associated Press

ALCOHOL IS ‘THE DRUG OF CHOICE ON CAMPUSES'

Universities Planning Anti-Binge Drinking Campaign

WASHINGTON -- Binge drinking on campus is one of the top problems facing universities, becoming a concern even greater than illegal drug use, the president of Pennsylvania State University said Thursday.

Of course, no one has died of a marijuana overdose. There are no marijuana fueled student riots. Although some slackers may prefer getting stoned to doing homework, there is no data suggesting that marijuana use is a significant problem in academic performance, while alcohol is a factor in 40 percent of all academic problems and 28 percent of all dropouts.

In short, there is no evidence of a marijuana problem at all. So how is it that binge drinking is described as "a concern even greater than illegal drug use?" Is it also a greater concern than evil spells from witches? Kidnappings by space ships? Could our obsessive focus on marijuana be fueling the drinking?)

Graham Spanier said that while universities have always had a drinking student population, the ones who do drink are doing so more heavily and more frequently.

"We don't want to say that drug use is no longer a problem, but the truth is we don't see nearly as much of it as excess consumption of alcohol,'' he told the National Press Club. "Alcohol has been the drug of choice on campuses today.''

He spoke two days after a Penn State student celebrating her 21^st birthday was hospitalized with a blood-alcohol content of 0.682 percent -- a level twice what normally sends a person into coma. The student participated in a tradition of drinking at least 21 alcoholic drinks during a 21st-birthday "bar tour.''

Last summer, drinking by Penn State students led to rioting. About 1,500 students gathered in downtown State College as rioters set bonfires in the middle of the street, tore down light posts, battered storefronts and injured more than a dozen police.

"Frequent binge drinkers are far more likely than non-binge drinkers to have multiple problems'' that include engaging in unplanned sexual activity, getting hurt and damaging property.

Spanier said a recent survey found that more than 40 percent of college students today engage in binge drinking, defined as the consumption of at least five drinks at one sitting by a male or four drinks for a female.

Spanier outlined plans to launch a national awareness campaign Sept. 10, with full-page ads in more than a dozen major newspapers. He also said colleges and universities will intensify educational and prevention efforts and establish a Web site to call greater attention to the issue.

"The level of attention being given to this problem by university presidents has accelerated,'' Spanier said.

"Educational programs are raising awareness and providing a foundation for students to make responsible decisions about drinking.''