As a student in recovery from a drinking problem at Columbia, I’ve often found myself wondering why college students are so prone to binge drinking. It’s a question that’s both personal and universal and one that I hope to explore in this post as the initial foray into a larger research paper.
College drinking statistics reveal the prevalence of alcohol use disorder, binge drinking, and alcohol-related deaths among college students aged 18 to 24.
Read on for my insights, and I hope you find my resource helpful in gaining insights into why the problem of drinking is prevalent on so many campuses! College students drink alcohol at high rates, with binge drinking leading to significant academic and health consequences.
My Story as a Columbia University Student
I started drinking in high school, but it wasn’t until I got to college that my drinking really got out of control. At first, it was just a way to socialize and have fun, but before long, I was drinking every weekend – and sometimes during the week, too. I was missing classes, struggling to keep up with my coursework, and alienating my friends and family.
Looking back, I can see that I was using alcohol as a way to cope with the stress and anxiety of college life. I felt like I needed to drink to fit in, to relax, and to have fun. But the truth is, I was using alcohol to avoid dealing with my problems, rather than facing them head-on.
The Culture of Binge Drinking
Binge drinking is a pervasive part of college culture, often referred to as college binge drinking. It’s often seen as a rite of passage, a way to prove oneself, or a way to have fun. But the truth is, binge drinking is a serious problem that can have serious consequences.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), binge drinking is defined as drinking four or more drinks for women, and five or more drinks for men, in a two-hour period. This can lead to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, which is considered legally intoxicated.
Defining binge drinking helps to understand its prevalence among college-age individuals and its association with various alcohol-related consequences. Unfortunately, all too often this type of drinking is normalized, and effective alcohol treatment options are not promoted or even available at some schools.
Why Do College Students Binge Drink?
So, why do some many undergrad (and graduate) college students binge drink? There are a lot of factors at play in such destructive patterns of drinking alcohol among college students, including:
- Social pressure: Let’s face it – drinking is a big part of college culture. It can be hard to resist the pressure to party and fit in. Many college students drink to feel included.
- Stress and anxiety: College can be overwhelming, and drinking can seem like an easy way to cope. Alcohol consumption is often used as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety.
- Lack of supervision: For many students, college is the first time they’re living away from home, and that freedom can be both exhilarating and dangerous.
- Lack of education: Many students don’t understand the risks of binge drinking, or the signs of alcohol use disorder.
- Mental health: For some students, drinking can be a way to self-medicate and cope with underlying mental health issues. Young adults are particularly vulnerable to these issues.
The Risks and Alcohol Related Consequences of Binge Drinking
Binge drinking can have serious alcohol related consequences, including:
- Alcohol poisoning: Drinking too much alcohol can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening.
- Injury and accidents: Drinking can impair judgment and coordination, leading to injuries and accidents. Binge drinking can also result in alcohol related unintentional injuries, including motor-vehicle crashes.
- Sexual assault: Drinking can increase the risk of sexual assault and violence.
- Alcohol use disorder: Binge drinking can lead to alcohol use disorder, which can have long-term consequences for physical and mental health. Excessive alcohol consumption is a significant factor in developing alcohol use disorders, and from my own personal history I can attest to this.
Breaking the Cycle of Ritualized Alcohol Abuse on Campus
So, how can we break the cycle of frequent binge drinking in college? Here are a few suggestions that I have seen work at Columbia as well as at other college campuses:
- Education and awareness: We need to educate students about the risks of binge drinking, and the signs of alcohol use disorder.
- Alternative activities: We need to provide alternative activities and events that don’t involve drinking.
- Support and resources: We need to provide support and resources for students who are struggling with alcohol use disorder.
- Culture shift: We need to shift the culture around drinking in college, and make it okay to say no to alcohol.
More Insights on the Way Forward for Colleges
To create an even more overarching culture of health and wellness on our campuses, we need to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. Here are a few more ideas:
- Peer-led initiatives: Train student leaders to run workshops and events that promote healthy coping mechanisms and provide support for students struggling with alcohol use disorder.
- Collaborations with local organizations: Partner with local organizations that specialize in substance abuse treatment and support to provide resources and services for students.
- Campus-wide campaigns: Launch campus-wide campaigns that raise awareness about the risks of binge drinking and promote healthy choices.
- Incentives for healthy behavior: Offer incentives for students who make healthy choices, such as discounts at the campus gym or free entry to wellness events.
- Research and evaluation
The Binge Drinking Culture Can be Overcome
In writing this resource, I have come to understand even more clearly how binge drinking is a complex issue, and there’s no easy solution. But by understanding the reasons why college students binge drink, and by providing education, support, and resources, we can help students make healthier choices and stay safe.
As someone who’s been there, I know that it’s possible to overcome alcohol use disorder and thrive in college. Let’s work together to create a culture of health and wellness on our campuses, and I hope this can prove as both an inspiration and an initial blueprint for a healthy change at colleges across the US.