Curbing substance abuse

Two weeks before Spring Fling -- a weekend traditionally known for high liquor consumption -- the University held a regional conference addressing campus drug and alcohol abuse. The Amethyst Network, a Philadelphia-based organization of colleges committed to preventing drug and alcohol abuse, held its annual Amethyst Network Professional and Peer Conference in Houston Hall's Bodek Lounge on Wednesday. "The Amethyst Network is personified by its motto 'good alcohol decisions result from good information,'" said Robert Chapman, Amethyst's regional network coordinator and associate professor at La Salle University. In accordance with Penn's federally designated role as a model alcohol and drug educator, Amethyst decided to hold its event at Penn this year. Penn began to critically reevaluate its approach to alcohol abuse following the death of an alumnus at a 1999 fraternity event. Working integrally with the Drug and Alcohol Resource Team and other University groups, Penn consolidated its numerous programs into a single committee, the Working Group on Alcohol Abuse, in the spring of 1999. Since its inception, the WGAA has worked to create non-alcoholic student entertainment options. "There are multiple events from opening up the gym to free movies to jazz clubs," said Provost Robert Barchi, who helped form Penn's new drug and alcohol policy. As a result of WGAA's efforts, the Department of Education awarded Penn a $100,000 federal grant, anointing it a model program in "Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention on College Campuses." The grant will support Penn's existing "help" programs and also disseminate Penn's findings to other peer institutions. Yesterday's conference, entitled "Challenge of Change," was co-chaired by Alcohol Policy Coordinators Stephanie Ives and Kate Ward-Gaus. "This is a wonderful opportunity to discuss these critical issues from a great multiple of sources," Ives said. "These are not just higher education issues but those that involve all sectors of the University." James and Janice Prochaska of the University of Rhode Island, keynote speakers at yesterday's event, developed the "transtheoretical model of change." The model involves a step-by-step approach beginning with the realization of an alcohol problem and culminating in termination. "The change away from alcohol usage involves a progression through a series of stages," James Prochaska said. Barchi also addressed the conference audience. "We're not out to eliminate drinking at Penn, " Barchi said. "We're about trying to minimize its usage. My goal is to ensure the health and safety of the kids on campus."