Content area
Abstract
This study evaluated the efficacy of the brief group therapy format of the Alcohol Skills Training Program (ASTP), in reducing levels of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems among high risk college students required to attend the program as a consequence of violation of the campus “no tolerance” alcohol policy. At initial and follow-up assessment times, participants in the ASTP treatment group and no treatment comparison group completed self-report measures of alcohol consumption quantity and frequency, alcohol-related problems, motivation to change, family history of alcoholism, and ASTP evaluation. Results indicated that the ASTP treatment group drank greater alcohol quantities and experienced more alcohol-related problems compared to the comparison group. Male ASTP participants had greater alcohol consumption quantities and frequencies, but there were no significant differences in numbers of alcohol-related problems. The treatment group did not show a decrease in alcohol consumption quantity or alcohol-related problems; however the treatment group did decrease alcohol consumption frequency. Similar to the treatment group, the no treatment group did not demonstrate a change in alcohol consumption quantity or alcohol problems; however, they did show an increase in alcohol consumption frequency. Overall, ASTP participants were satisfied with the program. Implications of these results for the intervention with heavy college drinkers are discussed.
