College Drinking: Consequences and How to Prevent It

College drinking refers to the consumption of alcohol by college and university students. It often occurs at social gatherings and is sometimes seen as a part of campus culture. This phenomenon is prevalent across various educational institutions, particularly in settings that encourage social interaction through parties and communal events. 

The causes of college drinking include peer pressure, stress from academic and social challenges, and the availability of alcohol. Students often drink to fit in or to cope with the pressures of their academic and personal lives. The transition to college also leads students to experiment with alcohol as a way to assert independence.

The risks of college drinking include academic decline, health complications, and an increased likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors. It also leads to incidents of alcohol poisoning, accidents, addiction, and conflicts. 

Preventive measures for college drinking include implementing comprehensive alcohol education programs, providing greater access to mental health services, and enforcing strict alcohol policies on campus. 

Is It Common for College Students to Drink?

It is common for college students to drink alcohol. The practice is widespread across numerous universities and colleges globally. According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), of full-time college students ages 18 to 22, 49.0% drank alcohol, and 28.9% engaged in binge drinking in the past month.

College drinking is often integrated into social and cultural activities on campus. For many students, college represents a period of personal exploration and socialization, where alcohol facilitates making new friends and bonding over shared experiences. The presence of fraternities and sororities, which often host parties and social events where alcohol is served, also contributes to its commonality in college settings. 

The rates of college drinking are notably high, with a significant portion of students engaging in regular alcohol consumption. According to the 2020 Monitoring the Future National Survey Results on Drug Use, since 2011, the annual percentage of college students who use alcohol has stayed about the same, between 75-79%.

Although efforts by universities to educate students about the dangers of excessive drinking and to enforce alcohol policies are ongoing, despite these measures, drinking remains a significant part of college life for many.  The college environment leads to patterns of binge drinking, which poses serious health risks and academic consequences. 

How Much Does the Average College Student Drink?

Out of every five students, four drink alcohol to some certain degree. College students are more likely to engage in binge drinking compared to their non-college peers. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), binge drinking is defined as consuming five or more drinks on a single occasion for men and four or more for women. Research suggests that about half of college students who drink also engage in binge drinking.

The specific amount of alcohol consumed depends on several factors, including the student’s social circle, the presence of Greek life, the campus culture regarding alcohol, and individual factors like stress levels and personal attitudes towards drinking. 

According to the 2022 NSDUH, 7.4% of full-time college students ages 18–22 reported heavy alcohol use in the past month. Despite the variations, the prevalence of binge drinking highlights a significant trend of heavy episodic drinking among college students, which often surpasses safe drinking guidelines and poses various risks to health and academic success.

Which College Student is More Likely to Drink Alcohol?

Six types of college students more likely to drink alcohol include members of Greek life, collegiate athletes, socially active students, students under stress, students with prior drinking problems, and students with family members struggling with Alcoholism. 

1. Members of Greek Life: Students involved in fraternities and sororities often participate in social events where alcohol is prevalent. These organizations sometimes have traditions and social functions that encourage drinking. According to the National Institute of alcohol abuse and Alcoholism, Students attending schools with Greek solid systems tend to drink more than students at other types of schools.
2. Collegiate Athletes: Despite strict training regimens, some athletes engage in heavy drinking, especially in sports with strong team cultures around social activities that include alcohol. 
3. Socially Active Students: Students who frequently attend campus parties, gatherings, and social events are exposed to environments where alcohol is commonly consumed and socially endorsed. According to the National Institute of alcohol abuse and Alcoholism, In terms of living arrangements, alcohol consumption is highest among students living in fraternities and sororities and lowest among commuting students who live with their families.
4. Students Under Stress: Those facing academic pressures or personal challenges might use alcohol as a means to cope, making them more prone to drinking.
5. Students with Prior Drinking Habits: Individuals who drank alcohol before entering college are likely to continue or increase their consumption, especially in an environment with fewer parental controls.
6. Students from Families Where Alcohol Is Normative: Exposure to family attitudes that are permissive towards drinking can predispose students to similar behaviors when they are on their own in college.

What are the Consequences of Harmful and Underage College Drinking?

The consequences of college drinking include academic problems, health risks, accidents, mental health issues, risky behavior, legal issues, addiction, and social problems. A 2004 NIH, ‘Reducing Underage Drinking: A Collective Responsibility,’ explains that the consequences of underage drinking include unintentional death and injury associated with driving or engaging in other risky tasks after drinking, homicide and violence, suicide attempts, sexual assault, risky sexual behavior, and vandalism and property damage.

1. Academic Problems: Frequent or heavy drinking leads to missed classes, poor performance on assignments and exams, and, ultimately, lower grades. Some students even face academic probation or expulsion as a result of alcohol-related incidents.
2. Health Risks: Alcohol abuse causes serious health issues, including liver damage, alcohol poisoning, and long-term effects such as heart disease or neurological damage. Additionally, excessive drinking weakens the immune system, making students more susceptible to illnesses.
3. Safety Concerns and Accidents: Drunk driving, falls, drownings, and other unintentional injuries are more common among students who engage in heavy drinking. These incidents result in severe injury or even death. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) estimates that about 1,519 college students ages 18 to 24 die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including motor vehicle crashes.
4. Mental Health Issues: There is a strong influence between heavy drinking and mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Alcohol use exacerbates these conditions or even contributes to their development.
5. Risky Behavior and Legal Issues: Alcohol impairs judgment and increases the chances of indulging in risky behaviors like unsafe sex. Underage drinking also exposes students to potential legal consequences like fines, community service, or jail time.
6. Social and Relationship Problems: Alcohol strains relationships with friends and family. It can lead to aggressive behaviors, social isolation, and conflicts within personal and academic relationships.
7. Dependency and Addiction: Prolonged heavy drinking leads to alcohol dependency or addiction, conditions that require professional treatment to overcome. According to the National Institute of alcohol abuse and Alcoholism, Around 15% of full-time college students ages 18 to 22 meet the criteria for past-year alcohol use disorder (AUD), according to the 2022 NSDUH.

Addressing the consequences of harmful and underage drinking is critical for safeguarding students’ health, academic success, and future well-being. 

What are the Factors Affecting Student Drinking?

Five factors affecting student drinking include peer pressure, availability of alcohol, stress, background, and media influence. According to the National Institute for alcohol abuse and Alcoholism, certain aspects of college life—such as unstructured time, widespread availability of alcohol, inconsistent enforcement of underage drinking laws, and limited interactions with parents and other adults—lead to college drinking. 

Understanding these factors helps in addressing and mitigating the issue of excessive alcohol consumption among college students.

1. Peer Pressure: Peer influence is a significant factor in student drinking. Students often consume alcohol to fit in with their social groups, conforming to the perceived norms of college life. Peer pressure leads to binge drinking and other risky behaviors as students try to match their friends’ consumption levels.
2. Availability of Alcohol: The ease of access to alcohol significantly affects student drinking habits. When alcohol is readily available at campus events, local bars, or through older students and fake IDs, the likelihood of frequent consumption increases. Schools with fewer restrictions on alcohol access tend to see higher rates of student drinking.
3. Stress and Coping Mechanisms: College students face numerous stressors, including academic pressures, social challenges, and personal issues. Some students turn to alcohol as a way to cope with these stressors. The lack of effective stress management skills leads to increased reliance on alcohol as a form of escape or relaxation.
4. Cultural and Family Backgrounds: A student’s background plays a crucial role in their attitude towards drinking. Those from families where alcohol consumption is normalized are more inclined to drink. Cultural norms and societal attitudes toward alcohol also influence students’ drinking behaviors.
5. Marketing and Media Influence: The portrayal of alcohol in media and advertisements often glamorizes drinking and associates it with social success and enjoyment. This marketing influences students to perceive drinking as a desirable and essential part of college life, increasing their likelihood of consuming alcohol.
6. Psychological Factors: Individual psychological traits, such as impulsiveness, sensation-seeking, and the presence of mental health issues like depression or anxiety, contribute to higher alcohol consumption. Students with these traits are more prone to use alcohol as a means of coping or seeking a thrill.
7. Campus Policies and Enforcement: The presence and strictness of campus alcohol policies significantly impact student drinking behaviors. Institutions with stringent policies and consistent enforcement tend to have lower rates of excessive drinking. Conversely, lenient policies result in higher consumption levels.

What are the Consequences of Drinking in College?

The seven consequences of drinking in college include performing Poorly In Classes, risking injury, assault, sexual assault, committing criminal Activities, developing Health Issues, death, and damaging The Brain.

Performing Poorly in Classes

Drinking in college often leads to poor academic performance. Students who engage in heavy drinking tend to miss classes and fail to complete assignments on time. The US Department of Justice states that approximately 25% of college students experience academic issues due to alcohol use. These problems include receiving lower grades, performing poorly on exams or papers, missing classes, and falling behind in their coursework.

The aftereffects of alcohol, such as hangovers and fatigue, impair concentration and cognitive function, making it challenging to study and retain information. Over time, this results in declining grades and even academic probation or expulsion.

Risking Injury

Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of injuries. Intoxicated students are more prone to accidents such as falls, cuts, and burns. They are also more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors like drunk driving, leading to serious accidents and fatalities. The impaired judgment and coordination caused by alcohol make such injuries more likely and more severe.

Becoming a Victim of Assault

Students who drink heavily are at a higher risk of becoming victims of physical assault. Alcohol impairs judgment and lowers inhibitions, which leads to confrontations and aggressive behavior. 

NIAAA statistics estimate that about 696,000 students ages 18 to 24 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking. Intoxicated individuals are more vulnerable to being targeted by others and may find themselves in situations where they cannot adequately defend themselves.

Sexual Assault

Alcohol consumption is a causative factor in many cases of sexual assault on college campuses. According to the Institute of alcohol abuse and Alcoholism, A majority of sexual assaults in college involve alcohol or other substances. 

Drinking impairs the ability to give or interpret consent, increasing the likelihood of sexual violence. Both victims and perpetrators of sexual assault often have consumed alcohol, complicating issues of consent and increasing the risk of such incidents occurring.

Committing Criminal Activities

Heavy drinking leads students to engage in criminal activities. These activities include vandalism, theft, and other forms of misconduct driven by impaired judgment and reduced self-control. Underage drinking itself is illegal, and students caught consuming alcohol underage can face legal consequences, affecting their prospects.

Developing Health Issues

Long-term alcohol abuse leads to serious health issues. Students who drink heavily are at risk of developing liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and various cancers. Alcohol weakens the human immune system, making individuals more prone to illnesses. Chronic drinking also increases the likelihood of developing alcohol dependence or addiction.

Damaging the Brain

Drinking during the formative college years causes lasting damage to the brain. Heavy alcohol consumption impairs brain development, affecting memory, learning, and cognitive function. Prolonged drinking leads to permanent brain damage, impacting academic performance.

Death

In severe cases, excessive drinking leads to death. Alcohol poisoning, resulting from consuming large quantities of alcohol in a short period, is a life-threatening condition. Additionally, alcohol-related accidents, such as car crashes or falls, can result in fatal injuries. 

The risk of death re-establishes the seriousness of excessive drinking. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) estimates that about 1,519 college students ages 18 to 24 die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including motor vehicle crashes.

What Can Parents Do to Prevent Drinking?

Parents can prevent college drinking by doing the following: 

• Maintain open communication with children about the risks of alcohol.
• Set clear expectations regarding alcohol use.
• Provide a supportive environment.
• Encourage involvement in extracurricular activities.
• Promote healthy coping mechanisms for stress.
• Educate themselves and their children about the school’s alcohol policies and available resources.
• Conduct regular parental check-ins to foster trust and guidance.

How Does College Drinking Affect Academic Performance?

College drinking negatively impacts academic performance by leading to missed classes, poor study habits, and lower grades. According to Wechsler H. et al. ‘s 2002 research on ‘Trends in college binge drinking during a period of increased prevention efforts,’ about 1 in 4 college students report experiencing academic difficulties from drinking, such as missing class or getting behind in schoolwork.

What are the Long-Term Effects of College Binge Drinking?

The long-term effects of college binge drinking include chronic health issues such as liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and neurological impairments. It can also lead to the development of alcohol dependence and mental health disorders. Additionally, binge drinking negatively impacts academic and professional achievements, leading to potential career setbacks and financial difficulties.

How Does College Drinking Culture Influence Non-Drinkers?

College drinking culture exerts significant social pressure on non-drinkers, often making them feel isolated or compelled to conform to fit in. Non-drinkers might experience peer pressure, social exclusion, or feel stigmatized for their choices. This environment can also lead to secondhand effects, such as disruptions from parties or pressure to participate in risky behaviors.

Are There Effective Strategies to Reduce College Drinking?

Yes, effective strategies include implementing stricter campus alcohol policies, offering educational programs on the risks of excessive drinking, and providing access to counseling and support services. Promoting alternative social activities that do not involve alcohol also helps reduce drinking rates.

How Does College Drinking Affect Mental Health?

College drinking can significantly affect mental health by exacerbating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. According to the NIAAA, heavy drinking can also lead to the development of new mental health issues. For more insights, you can explore topics related to hangovers.

The temporary relief provided by alcohol often leads to a cycle of dependence, further complicating mental health problems. Seeking support through family therapy for addiction can provide integrated treatment for both alcohol use and mental health disorders, promoting overall well-being.