Students & Alcohol: A Dangerous Combination
Joia Jefferson
Issue date: 12/8/08 Section: News
According to research summarized in a College Task Force report to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), the consequences of excessive drinking by college students are more significant, more destructive, and more costly than many parents realize.
In a recent report released by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA), the percentage of college students who binge drink, categorized as the consumption of five or more servings of alcohol per night for males, and four or more for females, has almost doubled in the past decade to 69 percent and rising.
The latest research suggests that white students are more likely to drink excessively than black students. Those living off campus have a higher probability to engage in binge drinking and other reckless activities than students residing on campus.
The problem on most campuses are the freshmen that arrive on campus with the perception that drinking lots of alcohol is part of the college experience and are allowed to purchase drinks without showing an I.D. At many of the social events and football game students tend to drink more than usual and to fit in with their peers.
Several campuses are implementing new policies due to the abuse of alcohol on campus. Some colleges and universities have broad prevention approaches that combine traditional educational programs with strategies aimed at changing the whole environment on campus and in surrounding communities.
According to the University of Mississippi handbook a new campus policy which is the "two-strike rule" provides for the suspension of any student or student organization found guilty of two alcohol violations. "As of Nov 1, 2006 the policy has decreased the students from drinking as much. During our football games our students tend to drink more than usual. We want our students to engage in education and have fun", said assistant Dean of students Scott Wallace.
However, the policies among other colleges are similar. Alcorn State University has a zero tolerance on drinking on campus. "The campus will not tolerate any disciplinary problems with alcohol or drugs on campus and the appropriate discipline action will be taken if necessary," according to assistant Chief Herman Curry.
In a recent report released by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA), the percentage of college students who binge drink, categorized as the consumption of five or more servings of alcohol per night for males, and four or more for females, has almost doubled in the past decade to 69 percent and rising.
The latest research suggests that white students are more likely to drink excessively than black students. Those living off campus have a higher probability to engage in binge drinking and other reckless activities than students residing on campus.
The problem on most campuses are the freshmen that arrive on campus with the perception that drinking lots of alcohol is part of the college experience and are allowed to purchase drinks without showing an I.D. At many of the social events and football game students tend to drink more than usual and to fit in with their peers.
Several campuses are implementing new policies due to the abuse of alcohol on campus. Some colleges and universities have broad prevention approaches that combine traditional educational programs with strategies aimed at changing the whole environment on campus and in surrounding communities.
According to the University of Mississippi handbook a new campus policy which is the "two-strike rule" provides for the suspension of any student or student organization found guilty of two alcohol violations. "As of Nov 1, 2006 the policy has decreased the students from drinking as much. During our football games our students tend to drink more than usual. We want our students to engage in education and have fun", said assistant Dean of students Scott Wallace.
However, the policies among other colleges are similar. Alcorn State University has a zero tolerance on drinking on campus. "The campus will not tolerate any disciplinary problems with alcohol or drugs on campus and the appropriate discipline action will be taken if necessary," according to assistant Chief Herman Curry.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Worlds Hardest Game
posted 4/13/10 @ 6:47 PM CST
I think the kids should have drinking games at the football games therefore making it more fun for everyone.
Joliet Movers
posted 7/02/10 @ 3:44 PM CST
It's too bad that people feel the need to drink so much. They don't realize how harmful it is to the development of their brains and their health in general. (Continued…)
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