Randy Haveson, also the author of "Party with a Plan," said many college rehab programs, despite their best intentions, just don't work well. Students should be informed about alcohol and drugs early, and be informed correctly from the start, he said.
“Studies are showing that the earlier someone begins to drink or do other drugs, the higher chance they have of developing a problem," Haveson said. “It’s great to see so many programs that are becoming available to students, but getting college students especially to pay attention and respond the way we hope is not an easy task.”
In 2014, drug offense arrests and disciplinary referrals on Ball State-owned property increased 89 percent from where they were in 2013.
Alcohol arrests at Ball State also jumped 70 percent last year, as the annual security report showed 150 liquor law arrests on campus last year, compared with 88 in 2013 and 87 in 2012.
Michael Gillilan, director of student rights and community standards, said alcohol policy violation sanctions rarely reach suspension and expulsion levels.
“We did a review two years ago; the vast majority of violators violate our alcohol policy only once," he said.
Ball State students found in violation of drug or alcohol policies on the campus could have to take AlcoholEDU, a self-paced computer-based alcohol education offered through the university.
The Office of Health, Alcohol and Drug Education also offers BASICS (Brief Alcohol Screenings and Intervention for College Students) where students meet one-on-one with a health educator to discuss responsible use of alcohol. It also provides marijuana education programs for students found in violation of Ball State’s drug policy.
"We care about our students and the entire Ball State community and want them to make good choices and live healthy lives," said Lisa Renze-Rhodes, director of media strategy. "We offer prevention and education programs, strong enforcement, and support services to reduce the potential for harm to everyone in our community.”
Hannah Miller, a former Ball State student, was required to complete the online alcohol education program after her resident assistant discovered she had been drinking in her dorm room with friends. All three were under 21 and got in trouble.
“It’s college — kids are going to drink,” Miller said. “We all had to complete the online program, which seemed like a big waste of time, really. It’s supposed to show you the dangers and bad outcomes that come from drinking too much or drinking when you’re underage, but to be honest, it didn’t do anything to stop me from drinking again.”
Miller said not even two months went by before she went to the emergency room with alcohol poisoning.
“I don’t think anyone is proud about drinking alcohol or getting their stomach pumped or basically disregarding all of the things people say to try and push us away from drinking,” Miller said. “But honestly, the online program did nothing for me, and even if I would have sat down with a counselor or whoever, it probably would have made me want to rebel even more."
Haveson seconded Miller's thoughts. He said online programs are not cutting it.
“Interactions with other students, interactions with professionals and an immersive understanding of the effects and the outcomes of drinking too often too much or in the incorrect ways is what is needed," he said.
However, Tony Beyer, a junior telecommunications student, said the university’s online drug policy is effective. He completed the program during his freshman year, and since doing so, he said he feels more informed about the dangers of drinking too much or irresponsibly.
“I was dumb — I think a lot of freshmen are," Beyer said. “It’s one of those things where you have to look at yourself and think about whether or not what you’re doing is right, or if you need to reevaluate yourself.”
After completing the program, Beyer said he still drank, but it was in smaller amounts, and he no longer used marijuana.
“It’s scary,” Beyer said. “The university isn’t messing around, and neither are the police. It’s one thing to drink, but drinking too much or abusing the substance isn’t going to get you anywhere in life. Maybe everyone should have to take the program — it did a lot for me.”
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