This study concerning the continued heavy drinking rate among Massachusetts college students sought to: (1) determine the specific changes in college drinking since a similar study on the topic was done in 1977; (2) determine the types of problems experienced by heavy drinkers; and (3) search for factors which might account for the continuation of this high risk behavior. Surveys were sent to a random sample of 200 freshman students from a pool comprised of the freshmen at 17 colleges. A total of 3 mailings were sent, for an overall response rate of 64 percent. In addition, 73 deans of students at Massachusetts colleges completed a questionnaire on problems in their student population. Their response rate was 72.7 percent. Results revealed the following: drinking is popular among students; many are heavily involved with alcohol; the legal drinking age is related to the nature of drinking among the underage freshmen; almost no students viewed themselves as problem drinkers; illicit drug use and smoking were less common than drinking; compared to 1977, current heavy use of alcohol remained constant with only half as many freshmen using marijuana, cocaine or cigarettes; automobile safety is a major problem; drinking patterns begin in high school and increase in college where it is highly social and typified by binge drinking; binge drinkers are heavily involved with alcohol, experience alcohol related problems, and have poor auto safety records. Also, according to the college deans surveyed, student alcohol use presents a serious problem for their institutions. (Contains 19 references.) (JB)