Facts on Tap tackles alcohol-related issues on college campuses

Contact: Communications Dept., 212-595-5810, ext. 7854

For Immediate Release

PHOENIX HOUSE AFFILIATES UNVEIL NEW PROGRAM TO TACKLE COLLEGE BINGE DRINKING
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“Facts On Tap”

(New York, Oct. 19) — Recognizing alcohol abuse as one of the most disruptive factors in a college student’s life, Phoenix House — the largest nonprofit substance abuse services agency in the country — today unveiled a national education program to help schools combat binge drinking on their campuses.

Called Facts on Tap, the initiative has been released in conjunction with College Campus Drug & Alcohol Awareness Week, October 18-24.

“Binge drinking not only impairs the health and safety of the abusing students — it also takes a heavy toll on their roommates, classmates and families,” said Kevin McEneaney, Executive Vice President of Phoenix House.

A recent Harvard School of Public Health alcohol study revealed that in 1997, 52 percent of America’s College students drank to get drunk. The study also found that excessive drinking and drug abuse among college students often lead to serious consequences, such as academic problems, health issues, and legal troubles. In some cases, students may require professional help from rehab or methadone treatment centers in New Jersey to overcome their substance abuse issues. It is crucial for colleges and universities to address the problem of drug abuse and provide support and resources for students struggling with addiction. In addition, 78.8 percent of campus students who were not binge drinkers experienced at least one negative, second-hand effect of binge drinking, such as disruption of study, vandalized property and unwanted sexual advance or assault.

Facts on Tap consists of hard-hitting educational materials prepared by Phoenix House affiliates, The American Council for Drug Education (ACDE) and the Children of Alcoholics Foundation (COAF), in co-operation with an advisory board of academic experts. Facts on Tap has already received high grades from focus groups at colleges in New York, New Jersey, Texas and California..

The publications cover:

• “The Naked Truth” about the effects of heavy drinking on the body;
• Facts and myths about heavy drinking as part of “The College Experience”;
• The “Risky Relationship” between alcohol and sex; and
• “The Non-Alcoholic Hangover,” which examines second-hand effects of heavy drinking .

Facts on Tap also helps campus health professionals address the issues of students who are in need of special attention — the children of substance abusers — and provides a confidential, 24-hour, toll-free helpline (800-DRUGHELP) for students who may be uncomfortable seeking assistance on-campus.

Among the colleges that support the program is Fordham University, a leading institution of higher education which maintains two residential campuses in New York City.

According to Rev. Joseph A. O’Hare, S.J., President of Fordham University: “The unique program developed by Phoenix House addresses a serious problem that universities face throughout the country. Fordham is a Jesuit institution committed to educating its students in all aspects of life so that they may become responsible and productive leaders in society. The Facts on Tap program is a welcome addition to our on-going substance abuse awareness and prevention programming, and has the University’s wholehearted endorsement.”

Major funding for the program was provided by the Metropolitan Life Foundation, with additional support provided by the Hearst Foundation.

“Metropolitan Life Foundation is pleased to support a program which approaches the serious problem of alcohol abuse on America’s college campuses from the student’s perspective,” said Sibyl Jacobson, President and CEO of Metropolitan Life Foundation.

“Facts on Tap is a tool to raise awareness and educate students about the dangers of excessive drinking.”

For more information about Facts on Tap, call 800-488-DRUG, or visit the web site, www.factsontap.org.

Phoenix House is the nation’s leading non-profit provider of substance abuse treatment and prevention services, with programs in New York, California and Texas. Founded in 1967, Phoenix House has treated more than 70,000 people — saving lives , and strengthening families and communities. To learn more, visit us online at www.phoenixhouse.org.