Henry Wechsler, Toben Nelson, and Elissa R. Weitzman

About the author: Henry Wechsler, Toben Nelson, and Elissa R. Weitzman are researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health College Alcohol Study (CAS), an ongoing survey of college students.

Binge drinking is a severe problem facing most college campuses. Binge drinking contributes to an array of social problems, including overdoses, physical assaults, and unwanted sexual advances. Education alone has failed to solve problems of alcohol abuse and binge drinking. Schools must also institute tougher alcohol policies on campuses, such as moving students with multiple alcohol violations to separate dorms and working to reduce the number of alcohol retailers in near campus. Research indicates that the heavy drinkers are in the minority, and that most students support stronger anti-alcohol measures.

Since results from our...