The people that binge drink the most have more severe problems. These people are more likely, than people who do not drink excessively, to miss class, get behind in their homework or class assignments, involve themselves with sexual activity, not using protection during sexual activity, getting caught by campus security, or maybe even wounded, or seriously injured. “Such heavy alcohol use among American college students has received considerable attention because of high alcohol-related morbidity and mortality is widely considered a public health concern with serious immediate and long-term consequences” (Saylor, 2011). Many college campuses have considered taking serious actions to control the behavior of college students that are binge drinking. Administrators on college campuses have establish a zero tolerance policy for alcohol so that the campus is a dry campus.
As stated in the textbook, Sociology Now, “Around thirty-one percent of college students qualify for a diagnosis of alcohol abuse and over six percent of students for a diagnosis of alcohol dependency”. Many of the problems with alcohol abuse on college campuses in America is due to the institution of binge drinking at parties as well as “kick-backs”. Kick-backs are a smaller and more toned down party, that usuallyjust consists of close friends. Binge drinking is the consumption of large amounts of alcohol in a short amount of time; it is defined as consuming five or more drinks in a row for males and four or more drinks for females (Kimmel). Due to this widespread phenomenon of binge drinking, American college students spend an average of over 5.5 billion dollars a year on alcohol.
The issue of binge drinking has been a problem on college campuses for decades. Binge drinking has many horrible effects, but the problem starts with the causes for it. If the causes could be controlled then the issue would not get out of hand. Many college students give different causes for their drinking problems, and experts on the subject have their explanations as well (Courtney & Polich, 2009). The causes of underage drinking include peer pressure, family history, low self-esteem, and of course curiosity (Courtney & Polich, 2009).
Alcohol and Substance Abuse in College It comes as no surprise that binge drinking and substance abuse are easily connected to college students in the United States. According to the National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism, “almost half of college student drinkers partake in heavy episodic consumption” which is defined as consuming five or more drinks in a row for men, and four or more drinks for women in a single outing. Are colleges really doing enough to discourage the problem of heavy drinking in the student body? A study published online in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research says that colleges can do more to fight the alcohol-loving culture in students. The study points out failures in the colleges' attempts to drive
Instead, it encourages it. In fact, it creates an opportunity for concealed, dangerous binge drinking. Eighteen is the predominant age among first year college students. Without normal parental control, students are overwhelmed with a new sense of freedom. No longer restricted by rules and regulations imposed by their parents, students often use their independence irresponsibly, engaging in reckless drinking habits.
Also, college students may spend time after games they have won celebrating and partying, which generally results in alcohol consumption and ill-chosen behavior. On top of that there is always the ongoing risk of injury from broken bones to the possibility of a minor to severe brain injury resulting from extensive hits to the head. Malcolm Gladwell, a renowned author, stated, “Now, what's the effect of all of that neurological trauma? Well, we know. It's a condition called,"CTE," which brings about premature death and the equivalent of Alzheimer's in people who are as young as 40 years old.” that can't possibly be
3. Establish Credibility: I know this example is far fetched, but it is much more common than you all would assume. C. Thesis/Topic Statement: Today, I am going to talk about what is considered excessive alcohol consumption, some of the consequences, and why college campuses are a high-risk area
Who Is Most Affected By Alcoholism Misty Wood Louisiana State University Abstract Simply stating that the use of alcohol affects everyone may be true but it affects some people to greater lengths than it does others. Often overlooked by many in today’s society is the growing problem of problem drinking. In college, drinking is thought of as fun and cool. In older middle adult life it is considered the norm. So who is most affected by alcoholism?
Chukwunonso Enekebe Prof Eric Benjamin Psychology 102 03/05/2013 Article Analysis Paper College Students and Alcohol consumption in Colleges in America Alcohol consumption by college students today is extremely high compared to in the late 1900s (Wechsler et al., 2002). Furthermore, alcohol consumption or misuse is a major issue on college campuses in the United States. Every year, at least 40%-45% of college students engage in heavy drinking (Wechsler et al., 2002). And 12% to 31% of colleges students qualify for a clinical diagnosis of alcohol abuse, and of that, 6% qualify for a diagnosis of alcohol dependence (Knight et al., 2002;) .The literature on alcohol suggest a correlation between problematic
Why can’t kids do the same thing? As “Fact Sheet” states there are an abundant amount of consequences to underage drinking. Youth who choose to drink before the age of 21 are more likely to experience school problems such as higher absence and poor or failing grades. Also the issues of social problems (such as fighting and lack of participation in youth activities), legal problems (arrests for driving or physically hurting some while drunk), physical problems (hangovers or illnesses), and unwanted/unplanned/ unprotected sexual activity are consequences. Along with disruption of normal and sexual development, physical and sexual assault, higher risk for suicide and homicide, alcohol-related car crashes and other unintentional injuries (burns, falls and drowning), memory problems, abuse of other drugs , changes in brain development that may have life-long effects, and death from alcohol poisoning.