An Analysis of College Alcohol Abuse
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education is not the only solution or the only weapon that can be successfully used in the battle against
college drug and alcohol abuse.
Various proactive and reactive measures, most of which are not education-based, are listed that
compliment educational approaches in the war on college drug and alcohol abuse.
From a different perspective, there are many reasons why college students abuse alcohol, but
the simplest answer is this: because they can.
Abusing Alcohol is Easy
 When the following situations take
place at college, drinking and excessive drinking become so very easy on college campuses:
- students are not informed about the long-tern negative consequences of alcohol abuse
- repeat offenders are not disciplined
- minors or intoxicated students are served alcoholic beverages by the local drinking establishments
- students have seen their parents drinking alcohol in an irresponsible manner
- the drinking activities in the sororities and fraternities are not monitored
- parents are not notified about their children's drinking activities
- students get mixed messages from the college administration about alcohol
- there are so few immediate consequences for excessive drinking
- there are few alcohol-free social and recreational activities that are attractive to students
What Draws Students to Abuse Alcohol?
When the following circumstances take place, college students are easily drawn into
engaging in abusive drinking behavior:
- the party atmosphere at college is expected by students
- it is disregarded that drinking alcohol temporarily removes a person from his or her problems
- the "good feelings" or the "fun" of getting an alcohol high or buzz are not considered
- it is so acceptable to engage in activities that emphasize the drinking of alcohol
- peer pressure or influence is added to the equation
- ignoring the belief or perception that drinking alcohol makes it easier to socialize with potential dating
or sexual partners
| Many people still turn to the use of alcohol for pain relief and due to its ability
to depress the central nervous system, slowing down the brain and nervous system, it continues to
deliver a certain amount of relief. |
More Than Education is Needed
While I am 100% pro-education, especially when it comes to drug and alcohol abuse prevention, I do
not think that education is the only solution or the only weapon that can be successfully used in the battle
against college drug and alcohol abuse. Let me explain.
Proactive and Reactive Measures
With respect to alcohol abuse in higher education, many reactive AND proactive measures have been
initiated at some colleges and universities that have reduced the availability, acceptability, and irresponsibility
of alcohol use on and off campus. The result: a noticeable, if not a significant reduction in alcohol-related
problems manifested by students.
| Lower levels of educational attainment among patients in alcohol treatment before
they entered treatment predicted a poorer outcome in the year following discharge from
treatment. |
The following are proactive and reactive measures that have reduced abusive drinking by college
students:
- having college administrators talk to the owners of local drinking establishments so that minors and/or
intoxicated students are not served alcohol
- monitoring the drinking activities in the sororities and fraternities
- disciplining repeat alcohol abuse offenders
- eliminating mixed messages by college administrators about alcohol (for instance, removing alcohol
advertisements from stadiums and from sports brochures)
- informing students about the long-tern negative consequences of alcohol abuse
- increasing alcohol-free social and recreational activities that are attractive to students
- notifying parents about their children's drinking activities
- establishing immediate consequences for excessive drinking
- establishing immediate consequences for excessive drinking
| Individuals who have achieved remission but who discontinue participation in
Alcoholics Anonymous are at increased risk for relapse; individuals who have not stopped drinking
and who discontinue participation in Alcoholics Anonymous are more likely to continue
drinking. |
College Alcohol Abuse: Conclusion
Medical Research and Treatment Are Not Enough
I assert, however, that the above proactive and reactive measures, most of which are NOT
education-based, are needed to compliment educational approaches.
Why? I am enough of a realist to believe that even if medical research eventually discovers viable
ways to escape addition and if the medical community is able to offer effective treatment to all who need it, there
will always be those who, for whatever reason, will choose to disregard medical warnings, ignore their health, and
who will discount common sense as they involve themselves in alcohol and/or drug abuse.
| About 43% of U.S. adults -- 76 million people -- have been exposed to alcoholism in
the family -- they grew up with or married an alcoholic or a problem drinker or had a blood
relative who was an alcoholic or problem drinker. |
| Long-term heavy drinking damages the liver, nervous system, heart, and brain. It
also causes high blood pressure, stomach problems, medication interactions, sexual problems,
osteoporosis, and cancer. Alcohol abuse can also lead to violence, accidents, social isolation, and
difficulties at work and home. |
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