A study released today says drug and alcohol misuse in college has become more excessive, and nearly one in four full-time students nationwide meets the medical threshold for substance abuse or dependence.

The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University combined new and existing research on a health problem that has long bedeviled college administrators and families.

Its findings were accompanied by sharp words from the center's chairman and president, Joseph Califano Jr., who said inaction by college leaders and others, as well as a public perception that drinking is a normal rite of passage, have perpetuated the problem.

"College presidents, deans and trustees have facilitated a college culture of alcohol and drug abuse," said Mr. Califano, a former U.S. secretary of health, education and welfare. "By failing to become part of the solution, these Pontius Pilate presidents and parents, deans, trustees and alumni have become part of the problem."

"It's time to get the 'high' out of higher education," he said.

The study, "Wasting the Best and the Brightest: Substance Abuse at America's Colleges and Universities," found that 49 percent, or 3.8 million full-time college students, abuse drugs, engage in binge drinking or do both. It described binge drinking as a male having five or more drinks at one time within the last two weeks; four drinks for women.

The share of the college population engaging in that behavior is no greater than it was in 1993, the researchers found. But the frequency of binging among those who engage in it has increased, along with other risky behaviors, including a 26 percent rise in the number of students who get drunk at least three times a month.

Although alcohol remains a more widespread campus problem, the study also found that abuse of illegal and prescription drugs has soared.

The number of students using marijuana daily is up more than twofold to 310,000. Students using cocaine, heroin and other illegal drugs rose by 52 percent to 636,000.

Among prescription drugs, the study found:

A 343 percent rise in students abusing such opioids as Percocet, Vicodin and OxyContin.

A 93 percent increase in abuse of stimulants including Ritalin and Adderall.

A 450 percent rise in misuse of tranquilizers like Xanax and Valium.

A 225 percent increase in abuse of sedatives including Nembutal and Seconal.

The Columbia center based its report on research, surveys, interviews and focus groups. The work was conducted over the last four years and is the most comprehensive of its kind, its authors said.

The researchers said 23 percent of full-time students meet the medical threshold for substance abuse or dependence. That's 2¹/₂ times the rate in the general population.

The study alluded to federally supported research estimating that there are more than 1,700 alcohol-related deaths annually among those 18 to 24 years old, including motor vehicle crashes and other unintended injuries. It also cited alcohol's connection to rape, sexual assaults and other crime as well as failed academic performance.

At Carnegie Mellon University, junior Andrew Griffin, 21, of McCandless, said he's not shocked by the numbers given how many in his age group drink for reasons ranging from the pressure of their studies to boredom. They don't have to look hard to see other people doing it.

"Every time you see different movies come out about college, there's always a lot of emphasis on partying," he said.

Marcee Radakovich, assistant dean of students at the University of Pittsburgh, said efforts at her school to combat the problem begin as early as orientation sessions for new students and parents, and continue with programs for various student groups and in residence halls.

At Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a commission empaneled by school President Tony Atwater to curb alcohol abuse led to policy moves last year, including expansion of a program asking students to do a self-examination of their drinking behavior and its consequences.

Ann Sesti, assistant director of IUP's center for student life, said she worries that reports focusing primarily on drinking's extent can backfire by suggesting to students "that this is such a common phenomenon and therefore ... this is what I need to do if I'm in this environment."

She said there are indications on her campus based on surveys that the number of students who do not drink has increased.

Neil Capretto, medical director at Gateway Rehabilitation Center, said it's important to get the data out. His organization, which works with alcohol and substance abusers, has seen an upswing in college students misusing painkillers, heroin and other substances.

"We're starting to see more kids who are drinking a pint of vodka a day in their room," he said. "They're really drinking in isolation."

Mr. Califano is among those who advocate bans on alcohol advertising that is connected to collegiate sporting events.

Yesterday, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board released the first biennial report to the General Assembly concerning underage and high-risk drinking in the commonwealth. It can be accessed at www.lcb.state.pa.us.