The incorporation of a social skills prevention program that includes proactive intervention message strategies that students can use when they encounter dangerous alcohol-related situations in social settings is argued to be a valuable tool in reducing current problems associated with high risk drinking. The purpose of this study was to identify intervention strategies that college students used during two alcohol abuse situations. Results confirm prior research that college students use relatively similar strategies to accomplish common instrumental goals that prevent unhealthy outcomes. Implications highlight the propensity and potential success of using behavioral and negatively valenced strategies in alcohol abuse situations. (Contains 1 table.)