Alcohol Abuse Advice

College Life: Drinking

Should drinking on college campuses be accepted as a rite of passage?  According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) 1,825 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including motor vehicle crashes annually.   Nearly 600,000 students are injured while under the influence of alcohol.  97,000 students are victims of alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape.  Overindulgence is too acceptable among college co-eds and the “party hard” culture is leading many students into trouble.

Traditions and rituals on campus serve to reinforce expectations that alcohol is a necessary part of social success.  A desire to “fit in” on campus has led to disaster for many underage, inexperienced drinkers.  The combination of social and environmental influences has created a culture of drinking on most campuses.

Certain campus characteristics can reinforce the culture of drinking.  Campuses with the following characteristics have higher rates of excessive alcohol use among students.

Greek system (fraternities and sororities)
Prominent sports programs
Location in the Northeast

NIAAA Sponsored Web Sites report 83% of college students drink.  41% report drinking 5 or more drinks on an occasion in the past 2 weeks.  An example of extreme drinking behavior includes attempting to drink 21 shots of high proof alcohol within the first hour starting at midnight when a student turns 21.  This behavior results in alcohol poisoning and can be fatal.

An additional trend of mixing hard liquor with energy drinks is enabling students to drink excessive amounts of alcohol and achieving dangerous blood alcohol levels.  Access to high proof alcohol, a culture of binge drinking and artificial stimulants is a recipe for disaster.

Alcohol Poisoning

Excessive drinking can be deadly. Binge drinking often times on a bet or a dare is especially dangerous because the victim can ingest a fatal dose before becoming unconscious.

What should you do if you suspect alcohol poisoning?

Be aware that a person who has passed out may die!  Even after a person stops drinking the alcohol in the stomach continues to enter the bloodstream. You cannot assume that someone “sleeping it off” or passed out will be fine.
Signs include mental confusion, stupor, vomiting, seizures, irregular breathing and signs of hypothermia.
Do not wait for all signs to be present to take action.  If you suspect alcohol poisoning call 911 and get help.

The use and abuse of alcohol impacts everyone.  If you or someone you know exhibits signs of trouble with alcohol seek professional help.   Referral resources are available at most campus health clinics.  To find a medical provider or facility near you, download the free iTriagemedical app or visit www.iTriageHealth.com.

 

Additional Resources if you need help:

 College Drinking Prevention

http://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/

Mother’s Against Drunk Driving

http://www.madd.org/

Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)

www.sadd.org

Rethinking Drinking

http://rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/

More Signs Of Becoming An Alcoholic Articles