How much of a problem is college drinking

By Shannon Curley
Collegian Staff
April 26, 2006

Jimmy Brown’s story has obvious relevance to college campuses. As Blackout Day speaker Jim Brown pointed out, drinking is a way of life in college, but recent studies show that alcohol may not be as big a problem as everyone seems to think.

Some experts say it is a misconception that all college students drink in excess, and this myth actually perpetuates more drinking. Some students believe that their peers are drinking more than they really are and simply want to get the “normal” college experience.

The National College Health Assessment survey found that “students’ perception of their campus drinking norm is the strongest predictor of personal alcohol consumption.”

In fact, drinking among college students has actually consistently been decreasing. The Higher Education Research Institute has studied the alcohol intake of college freshman for over 40 years, and discovered that this year, freshman drinking hit an all-time low.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill conducted a survey and found that alcohol was less of a problem even on typical party nights. When students were given a Breathalyzer test Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 66 percent of students were not even legally drunk.

It is important to be aware of the dangers of excessive drinking. Brown pointed out that after even two beers, perceptions change and what he calls a “stupid gene” kicks in.

curleys1@lasalle.edu