The stateâ??s adult binge-drinking rate of 26 percent — one of the highest in the country — may be one reason why the problem is prevalent on Wisconsin campuses. So say some college officials responding to a national report calling for bold action against binge drinking among students.
The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse says binge drinking is becoming more of a problem at college campuses. University officials have tried various efforts to curb alcohol abuse; the latest come during March Madness. College newspaper ads prompted by the American Medical Association urge fans to protest money universities get from alcohol advertising during tourney time.
Susan Crowley heads the abuse-prevention program at UW-Madison known as PACE. She says officials are reviewing the $425,000 UW-Madison gets from Miller Brewing and Anheuser-Busch in exchange for alcohol ads in game programs and sports broadcasts. She says these discussions are happening on campuses including Madison where officials are talking about whether there is an appropriate role for industry involvement in what the campus does and if it would be significant if changes were made in their relationship.