Researchers plan to take a long, close look at the drinking habits of students at East Carolina University. Research Triangle Institute will spend a $2,100,000 federal grant on the study. About 1,000 students, some 250 a year, will be studied on their drinking habits. The fifth year of the study will be spent on data analysis. ECU officials say researchers will focus those at special risk who may become heavy drinkers, identify them and give them a brief intervention and have an impact on their academics. Researchers said there's no one reason they chose ECU. The university is involved in an alcohol task force sponsored by Governor Mike Easley, and was receptive to being part of the research.
