Media Advisory: College Student Substance Use Topic of Conference

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The University at Buffalo Research Institute on Addictions (RIA) will host SUNY researchers, administrators, counselors and student health staff in a conference titled "The Challenge of Reducing College Student Substance Use."

The two-day event will take place at the Ramada Hotel Conference Center, 2402 North Forest Rd., Getzville, on Thursday, Nov. 8, and Friday, Nov. 9, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration fee for the entire conference is $50. For more information, go to: http://www.ria.buffalo.edu/.

RIA Director Kenneth Leonard, PhD, said the conference is "an opportunity to bring together the frontline staff throughout the SUNY system who grapple with the real problems of college students' alcohol and substance use and the researchers who seek to develop and evaluate substance use prevention and intervention strategies."

Leonard says that despite national and statewide efforts, excessive alcohol and substance use have not diminished in the past decade, in part because many colleges are not aware of effective intervention strategies or have not implemented them.

"This conference will provide an opportunity for participants to present information about their programs and to discuss issues and obstacles to the implementation of effective programs. It will also facilitate exploration of the potential for developing a multi-campus network of researchers and practitioners to address these issues within New York State," he said.

Speakers will include research scientists from UB, as well as researchers from Buffalo State College, Syracuse University and the University at Albany.

Presentations will include "Recent Trends in College Student Drinking and Drug Use," "Risk Factors for College Students Experiencing Alcohol-related Problems" and "College Students' Use of Marijuana: Antecedents and Consequences."

Press arrangements: Sara R. Saldi in the Office of University Communications, 716-645-4593, saldi@buffalo.edu; and Kathryn Leonard, onsite: 716-880-0760.