Alcohol & Other Drugs

One in every two college-aged students report abusing drugs or partaking in dangerous drinking behaviors at least once a month. People who regularly interact with others who over-consume come to believe that heavy drinking and/or substance misuse is the “norm.”

Alcohol

When alcohol is part of chapter-sanctioned activities, it is important that all members are familiar with the expectations regarding the presence of alcohol at chapter functions. Additionally, each chapter should maintain and enforce a robust social event management plan. The Fraternity Standards clearly identifies expectations regarding alcohol and the chapter. Your first step is to be familiar with these expectations.

Other Drugs

40% of college students reported misusing some form of prescription drug at least once, with the top two reasons being recreational & improving academic performance. A 2020 study found that a significantly higher percentage of students in Greek life reported knowing peers who regularly misuse prescription drugs. How will your chapter address the risks associated with prescription drugs? What measures are in place to connect brothers who may be struggling with professional support? By utilizing the resources below, we believe Pi Kappa Alpha chapters across the country can be leaders in starting these important conversations about health and safety.

Resources

Alcohol Abuse Prevention

College is a major life transition. Students may experience their first drink at college and may often increase drinking during this time. It’s no wonder that alcohol misuse is the number one health problem among college students. Learn more.

Alcohol Education Toolkit

The Gordie Center offers a robust Alcohol Education Toolkit designed to encourage chapter conversations surrounding the role that alcohol can play both at social events and in one’s personal life. Available content includes videos and discussion guides on situational tolerance, safer drinking guidelines, the PUBS method, helping an intoxicated friend, and how to be an active bystander when you see substance misuse.

Alcohol Poisoning and Emergency Care

In the interest of the safety of our members and guests and acknowledging that the misuse of alcohol occurs on college campuses in general, the below steps are provided for reference and training. For information on the responsible use of alcohol, recognizing the signs of alcohol poisoning, and how to intervene when someone is in alcohol-induced distress, please visit The Gordie Center by the University of Virginia.

Generation RX

Pi Kappa Alpha has partnered with five inter/national organizations and Generation RX, a national drug misuse prevention program, to foster and enhance safe medication practices for our members. The module includes a video presentation, slide deck, and facilitator guide that outlines how to present materials as either a comprehensive workshop or as shorter, micro-learning opportunities across multiple chapter meetings.

Hosting Safe Events

How to Host a Safer Event is a four-minute animated video created by the Gordie Center in partnership with the Fraternal Health & Safety Initiative. The video illustrates important guidelines for hosting a safe and fun event, identifies appropriate responses to unsafe situations, and provides tips for recognizing and responding to an alcohol emergency. Access additional resources on event management in myPIKE.

Illicit and Illegal Drugs

Alcohol and other drugs have a significant presence on college campuses. In addition to the direct health consequences, safety risks for students exist as a result of drinking or drug use. Learn more about the dangers around other drugs on college campuses.

Responsible Drinking

A Guide for Responsible Drinking, is a short video designed to initiate conversations among chapter members about responsible choices when it comes to drinking. Use this resource to talk about alcohol and safety with your brothers. Drinking alcohol is a decision that confronts all college students. It is important for our members to have the information needed to make safe, legal, and smart choices related to alcohol consumption.

Supporting Loved Ones in Recovery

Supporting a brother or family member with recovery can be difficult. Get insight on how to be supportive and access to other helpful resources.