Some consider drinking to be an essential part of the college experience. However, such behavior can lead to significant public health problems and consequences. Drinking can appear like a typical college student experience to some, but it can lead to dependency issues that aren’t always immediately apparent. If you or a loved one has been negatively affected by college drinking, reach out to Grace Counseling at 844.564.0712 to discuss options at our alcohol rehab in Lewisville, TX.
Understanding Binge Drinking
College students are known to engage in binge drinking, which is considered a form of alcohol misuse. To avoid the consequences of binge drinking, college students should track the number of drinks that they consume over a period of time.
In the United States, a standard drink contains 0.6 fl oz or 14 grams of pure alcohol. One drink of:
- Beer is 12 oz with around five percent alcohol content
- Wine is five ounces with about 12 percent alcohol content
- Liquor is about 1.5 oz with around a 40 percent alcohol content
So, what is binge drinking? Binge drinking can be defined as consuming alcohol to the point of having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. Typically in adults, this is equivalent to five or more drinks for men, or four or more drinks for women, in about two hours.
Binge drinking can pose serious health and safety risks such as:
- Car crashes
- Drunk driving and arrests
- Assault
- Injuries
- Alcohol poisoning
Long-term, frequent binge drinking can be detrimental to vital organs like the liver. It can also create mental health challenges.
Causes of Underage Drinking in College
College students have higher rates of both binge drinking and drinking-related car collisions than their non-enrolled peers. There are a number of aspects of college life that lead to these dangerous drinking habits. The challenges begin on day one of school.
The first couple of weeks of college can be a vulnerable time for students to engage in heavy underage drinking; there will be many social pressures and expectations. Living arrangements compound pressure on students to consume alcohol.
Students living in fraternities and sororities generally consume more alcohol than their peers. Students statistically drink more on a campus with a strong Greek life or athletic presence, or both.
Effects of Underage Drinking in College
The consequences of underage drinking vary. Some examples include:
- Academic problems
- Alcohol use disorder (AUD)
- Unsafe sexual behavior
- Driving under the influence
- Physical and mental health issues
- Suicide attempts
- Legal trouble
- Assault and sexual assault
- Death
Drinking doesn’t just affect college students but their friends, families, and local communities. The effects of underage drinking in college can have life-changing impacts on anyone in the student’s life.
Alcohol Overdose and College Students
When a person engages in binge drinking, there is always a chance they will suffer alcohol poisoning. It is common for college students to be transported to the emergency room for alcohol overdose. An overdose of alcohol occurs when the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream is so overwhelming that the areas of the brain necessary for controlling life-support functions begin to shut down. Some signs of alcohol overdose to watch out for are:
- Mental confusion
- Difficulty staying awake or waking up
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow breathing
- Irregular breathing
- Slow heart rate
- Clammy skin
- Low body temperature
- Paleness
Alcohol poisoning is extremely dangerous. It can lead to permanent brain damage or death. If you or a loved one experiences an alcohol overdose, call 911 immediately for medical treatment.
Alcohol Rehab at Grace Counseling
If you suspect that you or a loved one might be drinking dangerously in college, don’t wait. At Grace Counseling, we are here to help you get back on track. Reach out to one of our medical professionals today at 844.564.0712 to discuss our treatment options.
