Alcohol in College - Essay

Alcohol is a huge problem on most college campuses. Twenty one may be the legal drinking age, but some how minors find a way to get a hold of alcohol. People as young as fifteen are able to get their hands on an alcoholic beverage. Alcohol is said to be the chosen drug among college students. College students have a tendency to drink more then the general population. The type of college, geographical location, the ethnic and gender makeup plays a role in the amount of drinking that occurs on campus (Shalala, 1). For example colleges with fraternities and sororities have higher statistics; this is because of their sponsored parties (Shalala, ). They drink more often, which contributes to heavier drinking. Alcohol is known to affect many different types of people; housewives, church members, and successful business owners. But college students seem to be especially affected by alcohol (Encarta, 1). There are many different steps that are being taken to diffuse the drinking on college campuses. Colleges are starting programs for alcoholic students, establishing rules and moral codes on campus, and even banishing alcoholic advertisements on campus.

Studies show that college students drink more when they are in a group, which speaks on peer influences. When it comes to drinking on campus there is no legal age so to speak. When someone goes to a party they dont get carded, they get a cup. Studies show that students between the ages of 18-1 drink more then those that are over 1 (Shalala, ). Forty one percent of college students report to binge drinking, and nearly four percent drink daily (Shalala, ). Binge drinking is defined as four drinks for a woman in one sitting, and five drinks for a male in one sitting. Students that binge drinker have even more problems then students who dont. Binge drinkers are more likely to have hangovers and engage themselves in unplanned sexual activity (Shalala, ). Alcohol, in small amounts, may relieve tension, fatigue, or produce an affect that numbs pain (Encarta, ). There are endless consequences that come with drinking. A range of problems occur due to alcohol consumption. If large amounts of alcohol are consumed, complete loss of physical control may follow, ending in stupor, possibly even in death (Encarta, ). The most popular problem that occurs with drinking is academic problems; others include things such as trauma, date rape, recklessness, vandalism and pregnancy in women. There are many organizations that are trying to reduce these terrible statistics. Two for instance are MADD and SADD. These organizations help to raise awareness about alcohol and all its dangers. Some organizations, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, help alcoholics recover with long-term group therapy, in some cases-even hospitalization (Encarta, 6). Recovery may even involve individual counseling (Encarta, 6). Most treatment programs used for long term periods are effective, but are less successful in shorter sessions (Encarta, 6). Colleges have even devised plans to reduce the amount of alcohol consumed on their campuses. A college should provide students with alternate activities, in order to prevent then from drinking. Campus facilities should remain open, and colleges should expand their recreational activities on nights and weekends. Many colleges have strict rules and regulation concerning alcohol. Here are some more ways that colleges are trying to prevent and reduce alcohol problems. First, they enforce their rules and regulations. Failure to abide by these rules will result in a fine, probation, community service, or even suspension in the severe cases. Secondly, they reduce availability by banning beer, and parties on campus. Thirdly, colleges have been banning advertising alcoholic beverages in school newspapers and throughout the campus.

Most colleges feel that advertisement has a big influence on students. It not only puts the idea in their head, but it also advertises cheap beer. If students know that a certain beer is cheap that will give then an incentive to go out and buy the beer. Another way that colleges are trying to reduce the alcohol consumption is buy counseling. Buy constantly reinforcing the dangers of drinking, colleges hope that students will listen and stop drinking. I decided to interview one of my old teachers, in order to get her opinion about alcohol on college campuses. She has a son that is presently looking for a college. I was curious to see how she felt about sending her son away to a college, with all the talk about alcohol on campuses. After talking with my teacher I realized that every parent is worried about the amount of alcohol on college campuses.

She said that she was very nervous and worried about the amount of alcohol on college campuses. She also said that she feels confident that her son will make responsible decisions while in college. Parents often talk to their children about drugs and alcohol, and my professor has already had a discussion with her so. I feel that parents do have their childs best interest in mind. Parents are not dumb they know what goes on at college. Most parents are prepared for the stories and the talks. My feelings on drinking have greatly changed after attending college. In high school, I used to party all the time. The parties in high school were nothing like the ones at college. Now I know why everyone says that you havent been to a party, until youve been to a college party. I never witnessed binge drinking until I came to college. I have no problem with partying. Sure I like to drink, once in a while, but not everyday. Here on campus the parties start on Wednesday, and go until Saturday. Even before Wednesday people are talking about drinking and which house is having the party.

I feel that drinking in college get extremely out of control. In the semesters that I have been here, I have heard, and saw some scary things. One girl in a class of mine almost got raped because a guy was too drunk. Another girl at my school lost her virginity to a guy she didnt know, because they were both so hammered. Alcohol is not only a dangerous drug, but it also can make or break you. The girl that lost her virginity now has a horrible reputation and no one wants to be seen with her. I know so many people that have messed around with guys because they were drunk. I dont know about you but I dont think I could mess around with someone that I dont know, and on top of that hardly remember what happened. Alcohol is an extremely addictive and dangerous. There are some many college students that have either ruined their reputation or gotten kicked out of their school because of alcohol. Honestly, does stumbling, vomiting, and basically looking like a fool sound fun? I dont think so. Perhaps someday public health organizations will enable society to identify the early signs of drinking habits and help people to over come their alcoholism before their condition worsens (Encarta, 7). If you are going to drink, at least have control, drink in moderation and be careful. I know that when I drink I never leave my friends, nor do I drink too much, because I have people that watch out for me. Getting drunk doesnt need to be a rite of passage, and hangovers arent a prerequisite for graduation (Shalala, 1).