Deterrence and Substance Use on Campus: An Examination of the Effectiveness of Zero Tolerance Policies

• In Event: Substance Use Treatment Approaches and Policies

Abstract

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s College Alcohol Intervention Matrix, there is a scarcity of research on the effectiveness of restrictive campus substance policies. Prohibitive policies are low cost and utilized by numerous colleges and universities, yet their ability to achieve the goals of decreased substance use has not been examined in depth. The current study examines the perceived deterrent effect of a Zero Tolerance substance use policy on college students’ drug and alcohol use. The sample for this quantitative, cross sectional research design is comprised of undergraduate students between 18 and 26 years of age, living both on and off campus. The survey will assess the perceived certainty and severity of sanctions (both formal and informal), in addition to policy violations (drug and alcohol use) during the academic year. Results and implications will be discussed.

Authors

• Kenethia Fuller, North Carolina Central University

• Laytifia Williams, North Carolina Central University

• Cinzia Petty, North Carolina Central University

• Robert Brown, North Carolina Central University