EL PASO, Texas, March 23 Researchers at the University of Texas at El Paso say a unique intervention program has reduced binge drinking among college students.The Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students, known as BASICS, assesses drinking habits of students and identifies those who are binge drinkers or at risk of becoming binge drinkers. The habit is defined as five or more drinks for men at one sitting and four or more drinks in women.Those most at risk for binge drinking were taught about blood alcohol levels and how weight and gender play a role, according to Joe Tomaka, director of the university's BASICS program."We talk about how much alcohol various mixed drinks have, so that they are better able to measure how much alcohol they are truly consuming and how it's affecting their bodies," Tomaka said in a statement. Myths associated with drinking are also discussed. For example, program administrators remind students their blood alcohol levels will not decline -- although many think it will -- if they have a bowl of hot menudo, a Mexican tripe stew seasoned with chili peppers.Copyright 2007 by UPI
