Drinking and college seem to be synonymous terms. Yet, because they seem be so intertwined, it seems to set the table for immediate and future problems in relation to alcohol. Binge drinking is particularly highlighted in the media associated with the college scene, but it’s not limited to just that aspect. The culture on an American college campus today breeds direct, or maybe even implicit, passive support for alcohol and drinking in general.
Anyone who has attended a 4-year college in the United States or had some relation to it either through family or sports, is familiar with the stereotype of the fraternity/sorority parties and the association with reckless alcohol usage that comes with them. However, what is not understood or noticed near as much, is the culture of alcohol around a college campus. Tailgate parties at college football games on campus, bars and liquor/party stores being heavily concentrated around campus, and advertisements – though most advertisements and the sale of alcohol have been removed from campuses and their arenas, for schools’ who compete at or share fields and arenas with professional teams, they still remain. The customs and traditions of alcohol on college campuses are largely ignored or disregarded until a student or fan dies from alcohol poisoning or alcohol related accident. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) points out a list of dangers associated with irresponsible alcohol use and abuse:
• Approximately 1,400 college students die every year from alcohol related injuries and accidents, including drunk driving accidents, and another 500,000 suffer unintentional injury.
• Over 70,000 students are victims of sexual assault or date rape, and another 400,000 will have unprotected sex with another 100,000 reporting they were too drunk to know whether they consented or not.
• 25 percent of all students report academic problems, including missing class, failing exams, and overall lower grades.
• An estimated 110,000 students will be arrested for alcohol related incidents, such as public intoxication or driving under the influence.
• 30 percent of college students in the United States meet the criteria for alcohol abuse, with another 6 percent meeting the standards for alcohol dependence.
Many differing factors affect a college student’s decision to drink, but according to the NIAAA three of most important include living arrangements, characteristics of the college, and being a first-year student. Drinking rates amongst students’ has been shown to be highest in those living in fraternities and sororities, and in campus housing (dorms, halls, university owned apartments). Research has shown the characteristics of a school largely influence alcohol use as well. Schools with a dominant Greek system, sports teams, and those located in the Northeast have shown more tendency for alcohol abuse. The first six weeks of an incoming students first year largely impact their point of view and acceptance towards alcohol. This can interfere with adaptation to the new environment as well as academics, and alcohol use plays a prominent role in about one-third of first year students failing to enroll for their second year.
If a friend or loved one is having problems with alcohol abuse or dependence, the Freedom Center can help. The Freedom Center has a high success rate in treating alcohol and substance abuse, and to speak with a drug and alcohol counselor today, call 1-877-394-1828.
