The college experience contains a variety of different ways to have fun including clubs, organizations, intramural sports, Greek life and much more. Many of these organizations integrate drinking and partying into their activities. It’s fun to get tipsy with friends, but when your drinking is to a point of being heavily intoxicated to the point of no control it’s time to consider the dangers that can come from your actions.
Binge-drinking is a massive issue on college campuses because it causes people to behave in ways that are different from how they’d normally act. About 34.8 percent of full-time college students aged 18 to 22 engaged in binge drinking, based on the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This illustrates that excessive drinking is a prominent issue on college campuses.
Excessive drinking can cause the development of chronic diseases including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease and digestive difficulties, according to the CDC. Over-consumption of alcohol can affect mood and memory as well.
Not only can binge-drinking affect an individual, but it can also damage friendships and relationships, according to the Alcohol Rehab Guide. Additionally, it can take a toll on one’s academics. Individuals might miss a class or be unable to complete coursework due to hangovers from excessive drinking.
Physical injury is a prominent problem when intoxicated; around 600,000 college students injure themselves every year while intoxicated. These injuries are most commonly in the form of bruises, fractures and muscle sprains. Therefore, drinking can put individuals in situations where they can get hurt.
There are ways to avoid the consequences of drinking alcohol. For starters, one should always pace themselves. Spreading out the time between drinks gives your body time to metabolize alcohol. Additionally, setting a limit for oneself can be beneficial as well. It is also good to take a break from alcohol every so often, instead, students can pursue different clubs and organizations on campus or even consider volunteering.
It’s important to remember that choosing to drink alcohol is a decision that you should make on your own, don’t let anyone peer pressure you into doing so. Surround yourself with friends who will support you and help you make safe choices.
Brandy Manasilp is a communication major freshman who enjoys outdoors activities in the backcountry.