Back in 2003 addiction researcher KIM FROMME received a $3.2 million research grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to track students through the college years and study the association between personality traits, background, individual and environmental factors, alcohol use and behavior risks. During a four year period, about 5,200 students will participate in “The UT Experience!”
Dr. Fromme is the President of Division 50 (Addictions) of the American Psychological Association and was recently elected to the Board of Directors for the Research Society on Alcoholism (RSA) for a a 4-year term (2005-2009). She also serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol, Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, Anuario de Investigacion en Adicciones, and Psychology of Addictive Behaviors.
Dr. Fromme is also the director of the SAHARA LAB (Studies on Alcohol, Health, and Risky Activities) www.saharalab.com. Research from this novel laboratory have shown, for example, that:
- Alcohol intoxication reduces perceptions of personal risk for engaging in risk behaviors such as unprotected sex and illicit drug use.
- People who experience alcohol-related blackouts show normal memory processes when sober, but significant memory deficits when intoxicated.
The SAHARA LAB is one of seven simulated bar facilities in the country, and has been featured on a segment of the Oprah Winfrey show called "Girl's Night Out Experiment."
Kim and her graduate students will be presenting several papers at the upcoming annual convention of the Research Society on Alcoholism (Santa Barbara, June 25-29, 2005). Key findings to be presented include:
- Perceived anonymity from parents and peers increase students' alcohol use.
- Daily reports show different consequences for sex and aggression when intoxicated.
- The way you ask determines how much people tell you they drink.
- Fewer social activities mean less drinking for young adults.
- Personality traits may protect students from peer influence to drink.
- Perceptions of collegiate alcohol use are formed before students enter college.
- Acting aggressively while drinking increases negative social and emotional consequences.
Related Links:
Researcher receives $3.2 million grant to track alcohol use by college students
Alcoholism risk related to genetics, alcohol sensitivity, and behavior
Ah Yes, I Remember It Well: Drinkers who black out have more memory problems
A Cause and A Cure
See also:
Addiction Science Research and Education Center
