The latest scientific analysis shows that interventions for alcohol use reduction were not effective at all when the interventions were aimed at fraternity members and possibly sorority members, and the analysis covered data and research for a period of 25 years. The data that was used also represented more than 6,000 university and college students. According to Lori Scott-Sheldon, Ph.D., the lead researcher for the research study, “Current intervention methods appear to have limited effectiveness in reducing alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems among fraternity and possibly sorority members. Stronger interventions may need to be developed for student members of Greek letter organizations.” The study showed that there were no significant differences in alcohol amounts consumed, the frequency of drinking to excess, and even alcohol use related problems between the intervention group and others. In fact in a surprising twist many fraternity and possibly sorority members consumed even more alcohol after receiving an intervention.
Scott-Sheldon explained the results from the study on interventions for alcohol use among Greek college organizations. “We expected that providing Greek members with a thoughtfully designed and carefully administered alcohol intervention would reduce consumption and problems relative to no intervention. Reducing alcohol consumption and problems among fraternity and sorority members will require a different strategy relative to their college drinking peers. Additional research is needed to determine the best approach to reduce alcohol misuse among members of Greek letter organizations. Given the lack of research with sorority members, our findings may not be generalizable to all members of Greek organizations. More research is needed to determine the efficacy of alcohol interventions specifically for sorority members.”
