Associated with the top 3 causes of adolescent death (unintentional injuries, homicides, and suicides), underage drinking is annually responsible for 4000 to 5000 deaths and contributes to unprotected sex, social problems, and poor academic performance.1 A substantial body of experimental research indicates screening and brief intervention for risky alcohol use conducted in adult primary care settings is effective in reducing alcohol misuse and related problems.2 Evidence concerning effectiveness among young adults and adolescents is also accumulating.3,4 Unfortunately, screening and brief alcohol counseling for adolescents and college-aged emerging adults is not routine.5
College students more often drink 5 or more drinks on an occasion and drive under the influence of alcohol more than same-age, noncollege peers.6 Important unanswered questions are whether college students are (1) more or less likely than same-age peers to be asked about their substance use, (2) given advice about related health risks, and (3) encouraged to reduce or stop substance use.