Alcohol use among college students is prevalent. While many students view drinking as a regular part of college life, alcohol use can get out of control and result in various alcohol-related problems. Therefore, colleges and universities need to confront alcohol use and abuse among students on campus. High-risk drinking can impact students’ health and wellness, as well as their academic, emotional, and social well-being. This project screened for high-risk drinking among female college students using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and identified students most in need of alcohol intervention and preventative services. The AUDIT was administered to fifty female students seeking services at a student health center. All participants received basic alcohol education, and specific interventions were recommended based upon AUDIT scores. Project data showed that 50% of participants scored in group one (0-7), a drinking level of low risk; 44% of participants scored in group two (8-15), a drinking level of alcohol use in excess; 2% of participants scored in group three (16-19), a harmful and hazardous drinking level; and 4% of participants scored in group four (20-40), suggesting alcohol dependence. The findings from this project provide evidence of the need for screening among college students seeking care in a campus health center.

Keywords: Alcohol, alcohol abuse, AUDIT, BASICS, female college drinkers, high-risk drinking, alcohol screening and brief intervention.