Language & Definitions

At the University of Richmond, we use Prevention Research Institute's PRIME for Life On Campus Program (we call it URAware - WELL 085) language and terminology in order to convey the most accurate and consistent message in all of our alcohol education/prevention endeavors (TIPS Program, Campus Alcohol Policy, etc...). In order to accomplish this with the curriculum infusion modules and activities on this site, we suggest that you read and incorporate these suggestions before using any of the curriculum infusion options.

Language:

USE:

• High-risk drinking instead of binge drinking or excessive drinking
  
• Quantity & Frequency when discussing how much and how often

AVOID USING:

• Terms such as "responsible drinking," "handling alcohol," "knowing when to say when," "just say no," and other vague terms related to use and abuse
• Terms such as "heavy, moderate, and social" drinker to describe someone's supposed level of drinking behavior

Definitions:

• Low-Risk Drinking-an umbrella term covering both abstinence and specific, individualized, research-based quantity/frequency choices not associated with increased risk.
• High-Risk Drinking-specific, individualized, research-based quantity/frequency choices associated with increased risk for alcoholism.
• Alcoholism-is a lifestyle-related health problem with a level of biological risk established by genetics. Repeated high-risk quantity/frequency alcohol choices interact with biology to trigger alcoholism.
• Trigger Level-an individual's level of biological risk for a given health problem, such as alcoholism. It is that point at which an individual's high-risk choices have exceeded his or her level of biological risk and alcoholism is now present.
• Tolerance Level-is a high or low "elastic" measurement of the body's impairment at a particular blood alcohol level. Everyone is born with an initial tolerance level that is genetically established.
• Impairment-any slowing of the mental or physical functions beyond the initial relaxation effects of a drink.
• State Dependent Learning-what is learned or experienced in a drug or non-drug state is best recalled in that same state.
• A "Drink" equals:
  • Beer---12 ounces @ 4% alcohol
  • Wine---4 ounces @ 12% alcohol
  • Spirits---1 ounce @ 100 proof
• COA - Children of Alcoholics-those who have a family history of alcoholism.
• BAL-Blood Alcohol Level-the percent of alcohol found in the blood at any time, expressed in hundredths of one percent of alcohol.

Note: If you are a University of Richmond faculty member who is interested in getting trained or would like to observe a PRIME (URAware) session, please contact the Director of Wellness at 804-289-8464.

If you are interested in learning more about the PRIME for Life On Campus Program, contact PRI, Inc. at 1-800-922-9489.