Problem drinking among college freshmen.

Entering college freshmen (n = 308) completed a questionnaire which assessed drinking behaviors and identified students at risk for problem drinking as defined by the CAGE (focuses on Cutting down on drinking, Annoyance by criticism by others about drinking, Guilty feelings about drinking, and the use of an Eye opener) questionnaire and Perceived-Benefit-of-Drinking Scale (PBDS). Students were 50% male with a mean age of 17.9 years. In the past month, 17% had drunk on 10 or more occasions, and 18% had binged on 6 or more occasions. CAGE scores of 2 or greater were obtained by 21% and PBDS scores of 3 or greater by 29%, reflecting high risk for problem drinking. High-risk CAGE and PBDS scores were associated with frequent drinking and binging. Student reports of parental problem drinking were not associated with high risk for problem drinking. Intent to join a fraternity or sorority (the Greek system) was associated with frequent drinking, binging, and high-risk CAGE and PBDS scores. Approaches to screening for problem drinking which emphasize attitudes and beliefs may be useful. The Greek system appears to be attractive to high-risk students and should be a focus of prevention programming.