Effectiveness of a Web-based alcohol-misuse and harm-prevention course among high- and low-risk students.

OBJECTIVE

In the current study, the authors assessed whether a new online alcohol-misuse prevention course (College Alc) is more effective at reducing alcohol use and related consequences among drinkers and nondrinkers.

PARTICIPANTS

The authors compared incoming college freshmen who reported any past 30-day alcohol use before the beginning of the semester with those who did not.

METHOD SUMMARY

The authors randomly assigned students who completed a precollege baseline survey to either complete a 3-hour noncredit version of College Alc or serve as members of a control group. The authors conducted a follow-up survey 3 months later.

RESULTS

Findings indicated that among freshmen who were regular drinkers before college, College Alc appeared to reduce the frequency of heavy drinking, drunkenness, and negative alcohol-related consequences. Among freshmen who did not report any past-30-day alcohol use before college, College Alc did not appear to have any beneficial effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that College Alc may be an effective program for students with a history of alcohol use.