A team of psychologists from San Diego State University attempted to reduce alcoholism among youth through a personal analysis of teenagers’ health circumstances drawn from a 15-minute personal assessment. The survey, called e-Chug, calculates statistical data from the responses and presents facts about the effects of a student’s habits. “It helps show you the equivalent of how much you drink in calories and it’s scary,” sophomore Roni Cohen said.

Nearly 400 colleges in the United States have signed up to incorporate the program into their curriculum. According to the e-Chug Web site, personal assessment reflection questions have been created as well as college classes to encourage students to understand the facts about alcohol and tolerance levels. “I don’t think it would be a good idea to have a whole class based on raising awareness,” Cohen said. “People know alcohol is bad for you, they just don’t care.”

However, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) “recognizes the e-Chug as a true evidence-based approach that is showing significant promise,” NASPA Associate Director Kevin Kruger said. Aside from being incorporated into living skill-esque classes in colleges, e-Chug is being used in health clinics, community prevention groups and driving under the influence of alcohol.

According to Principal Noreen Likins, a parent first brought this program to the Palo Alto Drug & Alcohol Committee. Since then, it has been featured in the clicker assembly last year, during the social norms survey and on the Gunn Web site. Likins said Gunn purchased a yearly license for the program last April and “[is] hoping to raise awareness of the degree of risk” before it expires.

Still, many students are unaware of its existence. “I don’t know what it is,” senior Lisa Gertridge said. “I don’t think there has been enough publicizing about it.” Posters attempted to advertise the program last year and little cards were passed out during the social norms survey this year to encourage students to pay the site a visit. A link on the Gunn Web site also serves to advertise the survey and provide students with easy access to the program. “The goal is for students to log on to e-Chug and check it out.” Dean of Students James Lubbe said. “I hope that students become more aware of the consequences if they choose to drink.”

In addition, the company has continued with a program called e-TOKE (THC Online Knowledge Experience). This program mirrors the process of e-Chug but focuses on marijuana intake. There are currently 195 campuses using the program.

According to http://www.e-Chug.com, the main principles of the two programs are to raise awareness among teens and young adults about these substances and their effects on the body. According to Cohen the convenience and privacy of e-Chug made the program very accessible for her.