Hiding in Plain Sight: Low-Risk Drinkers in the Greek System

This study examined personal alcohol use, perceptions of peer use, protective behavioral strategies, and negative consequences associated with alcohol use among 276 high- and low-quantity drinking (HQD/LQD) "Greek" members from three colleges. Overall, 32.6% of this sample met the criteria for LQD. Compared to HQDs, LQDs believe their peers consume less alcohol, and LQDs are more likely to use 6 of 10 protective behavioral strategies. These six protective behavioral strategies reinforce low-quantity drinking, whereas protective behavioral strategies used by HQDs reinforce safety while drinking. Results demonstrate the necessity of careful differentiation among Greek members prior to design and implementation of alcohol-related interventions.