Fraternity and Sorority Members and Alcohol and Other Drug Use

The "culture of drinking" on U.S. college campuses has recently gained widespread national attention. A report by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) notes the disturbing consequences of drinking on campus each year: 1,400 college student deaths from alcohol-related causes; 500,000 unintentional injuries; 600,000 assaults; and 70,000 cases of sexual assault and acquaintance rape. Fraternities and sororities are among the key groups that foster this culture of drinking on campus. This Infofacts/Resources looks at the consequences of fraternity and sorority alcohol consumption and whether these organizations attract drinkers or promote drinking and provides strategies for institutions of higher education to use in reducing frequent and heavy drinking in fraternities and sororities.