University of Tennessee

Program Description

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), is funding the University of Tennessee $381,310 per year for 3 years to implement Using Computers to Screen and Provide Brief Intervention for Underage Alcohol/Substance Abuse on College Campuses, a prevention and early intervention program aimed at preventing the spread of substance abuse, specifically alcohol, ecstasy, and other club drugs, among the University of Tennessee's undergraduate population.

Campus Description

The University of Tennessee is a public institution located in Knoxville, the third largest city in the state, with an enrollment of approximately 19,000 undergraduate and 4,000 graduate students. In 2003, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation reported 115 drug violations, 50 DUIs, and 415 liquor violations on the University of Tennessee campus. In addition, a survey conducted by the University in 2004 found that 52 percent of students reported participating in binge drinking.

Program Model

Screening

Students are offered the option of participating in this program when they open their University e-mail accounts.

Initial screening includes questions about their alcohol and drug use knowledge and behaviors.

Brief Intervention

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is used to assess drinking and drug abuse habits.

Based on the results of the AUDIT, students are categorized as non-users, users, and heavy users.

Users and heavy users receive personalized feedback comparing their substance use and abuse patterns to normative measures, as well as motivational messages designed to prevent and alter alcohol and drug consumption levels.

Referral

Students whose responses indicate that they might be dependent are encouraged to abstain from substance use and accept a referral to an abstinence-based treatment program.

Service Features

Peer-outreach is conducted at University events, such as football and basketball games, Greek events, and Spring Break.

Screening and brief intervention are conducted online, likely inducing participation and generating higher response rates and more accurate responses.

Collaborators

• University of Tennessee College of Social Work
• University Chancellor's Office
• Academic Affairs Office
• Student Affairs Office
• Knox County Metropolitan Drug Office
• Helen Ross McNabb Center
• University of Tennessee Center for Information Technology

Contact Information

John Wodarski, Project Director
University of Tennessee
College of Social Work
324 Henson Hall
Knoxville, TN 37996-3333
(865) 974-3988
jwodarsk@utk.edu