Alcohol Abuse among College Students: The Stats and Dangers

College life is a whirlwind of newfound independence, self-discovery, and unforgettable memories. But let’s face it: there’s also a dark side to leaving the nest, and it comes in the form of alcohol abuse among college students. Centered Recovery Programs in Roswell recognizes this scary, yet common, change in the prevalence of alcohol among our youth. So, it’s time to have an honest conversation about the issue of alcohol abuse among college students and the dangers that come along with it.

Statistics on Alcohol Abuse Among College Students

Prevalence of Alcohol Consumption:

Believe it or not, four out of five college students admit to having drank alcohol during their time in school, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
A recent survey called the Monitoring the Future Study spilled the tea that in 2020, a whopping 62% of full-time college students in the United States drank alcohol in the past 30 days.

Binge Drinking:

Brace yourself for this one: binge drinking is rampant among college students.
The NIAAA found that almost two out of five college students engage in this “go hard or go home” drinking style. And we’re talking about downing about four to five drinks in a short span of time.
According to the same Monitoring the Future Study, 32% of college students went on a binge drinking spree within the past two weeks in 2020.

Consequences and Risks:

Now, let’s talk about the ugly side of all this fun. Alcohol-related accidents, injuries, and even deaths are a major concern for college students.
The NIAAA estimates that around 1,825 college students meet their unfortunate end each year due to alcohol-related injuries like car accidents or alcohol poisoning.
But it doesn’t stop there. Alcohol abuse can also mess with academic performance, impair judgment, lead to risky sexual behaviors, violence, and even mental health issues.

Dangers of Alcohol Abuse Among College Students

Impaired Academic Performance:

Picture this: You’re studying hard to ace that exam, but excessive alcohol consumption can throw a curveball at your academic game.
Heavy drinking can tank your grades, make you skip classes, and even put you on academic probation or worse, kick you out of college.
Plus, it messes with your ability to concentrate, remember stuff, and retain information. Not cool, right?

Physical and Mental Health Issues:

Frequent alcohol abuse can lead to liver disease, heart problems, a weakened immune system, and sets you up for future substance abuse issues.
Alcohol is a depressant that messes with your brain’s chemical balance, potentially causing depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

Safety Concerns:

Let’s get real about safety. Downing one too many shots can turn a night of fun into a dangerous nightmare.
You become more accident-prone, increasing the risk of falls, alcohol poisoning, sexual assault, or getting caught up in violent situations.
Plus, let’s not forget that alcohol impairs your judgment and coordination, leading to regrettable decisions that compromise your safety.

Social and Relationship Problems:

Alcohol abuse doesn’t just mess with your health and safety; it can strain your relationships too.
Arguments, conflicts, and engaging in regrettable behaviors become more likely, putting a strain on friendships, family bonds, and romantic connections.

College life is an incredible journey, but we can’t ignore the risks that come with alcohol abuse among students. It’s essential to be aware, make informed choices, and prioritize your well-being and academic success. To tackle this issue, take advantage of university-provided counseling services and create alternative social activities that don’t revolve around excessive drinking. College is about making unforgettable memories and expanding your knowledge, not losing yourself to alcohol. So, have a blast, stay safe, and create experiences you’ll cherish for a lifetime! If you are a college student struggling with addiction, call us today at 800.556.2966!

Written by Jennifer Lopes, BS Psy