Alcohol use among college students

Many students attending colleges, universities, and other higher education institutions consume alcoholic beverages.

While the legal drinking age varies by country, the high number of underage students that consume alcohol has presented many problems and consequences for universities.

College students who abuse alcohol can suffer from health concerns, poor academic performance or legal consequences.

[4] The rates of college students binge drinking in the United States have fluctuated for the past years.

[12] In comparison, the comparable figure of alcoholism for American Indian and Alaskan Native youth is approximately 80 percent.

[13] Individual and environmental factors for experiencing alcohol-related consequences have been identified such as drinking during high-risk periods, such as spring break, or belonging to specific student subgroups (e.g., Greek organizations).

[6] Currently there are over 12,000 fraternity or sorority chapters in the United States with over 750,000 members which raises concerns for student college life at universities.

A study showed that members who were part of a fraternity reported two or more symptoms of alcohol use disorder (AUD) at a rate of 45 for every 100 participants.

As high as 40% of college students could now be considered alcoholics, as defined by the next edition psychiatry's diagnostic manual, but many of these individuals would be regarded as having only a mild drinking problem.

An estimated one in every four college students admit to having poor grades or other academic problems because of their drinking behavior.

In addition, failing classes will push back a student's graduation, taking more time and money to complete the degree program."

The consequences of binge drinking include alcohol poisoning, nausea and vomiting, unintentional injuries, increased risk of unplanned pregnancies and violent behavior.

[30] Students who get caught drinking alcohol underage face various repercussions from loss of driver's license, fines, community service, or even jail time.

[30] For those of age who are supplying minors with alcohol could also face severe consequences from being charged with a criminal offense to being arrested.

[30] Individual schools might also place their own sanctions on students who drink underage that can range from being on probation to expulsion.

For example, at the University of Illinois, police will give tickets for underage students for just being an arm's length distance from an alcoholic beverage.

[38] The very nature of being intoxicated from alcohol tends to make men feel more powerful and privileged, leading to an increase in risk that the man will sexually assault a woman.

[38] Furthermore, a professor from Washington State University found through a study that men involved in heavy alcohol consumption are more likely to display acts of sexual aggression.

It not only threatens or could potentially impact their immediate health but also has long-term effects that can harm their development, school performance, and social skills.

Common warning signs include mood swings, dropping grades, rebellious/destructive behavior, low energy, and losing interest in things they once enjoyed.

Parents can play a big role in prevention by talking about the risks, knowing their children's friends, and looking over events where alcohol may be involved.

Supporting healthy activities like sports or arts for example, can provide young people with safer and more positive alternatives to drinking.

Underage alcohol use shows serious health risks and can lead to long lasting negative effects on young people's lives.

By realizing and understanding the dangers, recognizing warning signs, and putting effective prevention ideas in place, we can protect youth from the harmful consequences of alcohol.

By working together, parents, educators, and communities, we can create a healthier and safer environment for young people, allowing them to succeed in life without the risks associated with alcohol use.

[42] According to recent statistics, the ownership of a fake ID increased from around 12% prior to entering college to about 32% by the end of sophomore year.

[46] Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of both the benefits and limitations of college counseling when dealing with alcohol-related issues among students.

Additionally, it is equally essential for students to be mindful of the resources and support available to them through their college to address alcohol-related problems.

Proactive screening for substance use is important for early intervention and education, given the reluctance of many young adults to seek help for these issues.

Integrating substance use screening into routine assessments allows clinicians to identify individuals who may benefit from support in a neutral manner.