Alcoholism and College Students: Addiction and a Learning Curve
Going to college is regarded as a major stepping stone to adult life and when you learn to juggle academic studies with socializing with peers. Although you are often still underage at this time, drinking alcohol tends to play a large role particularly in the first six weeks of the freshman year, excessive drinking is almost normalized as a part of a rite of passage. Factors such as a feeling of independence, a need to fit in, and underlying anxieties about the newness of the situation can be powerful enough to lead someone to take risks with their behavior and drink to excess. The culture of drinking within a college environment can have some very negative consequences.
Good Fun Doesn’t Have to Include Alcohol
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism did a 7-year study and found that alcohol-related deaths among U.S. college students, as well as heavy drinking and DUI, all increased. Among 18-24-year-olds drinking-related deaths rose, most of these were from traffic injuries as well as alcohol-related poisonings.
Figures show that 4 out of 5 college students drink; this includes nearly 60% of students between 18 and 20. More than 40% of all college students engage in binge drinking. This is when you consume an excessive amount of alcohol in a short time. For men, the rate is around 5 or more drinks in a two hour period and for women more than 4 drinks in a 2 hour period. Your body cannot physically process that amount of alcohol in that time but it doesn’t take long until a tolerance is built up so that you need to consume more to achieve the same euphoric effect. This is how easy it is to develop an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Figures suggest that 20% of college students meet the criteria for AUD.
Alcohol is a highly addictive substance and within the college lifestyle, it can seem normal to be drinking often and even to excess. It can have an impact on academic performance, self-esteem, and make you vulnerable. People don’t think you can be an alcoholic and be young but this is sadly not the case. Alcohol abuse is like abuse of any substance; once you are in its grip you are no longer in control. The unpleasant effects of a hangover create a vicious cycle of drinking to ‘feel better’ and before you know it alcohol controls you. It takes priority over studies and effects cognitive functioning, not ideal when you are a student!
Get Help Now! Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Southern California
At CASA Recovery in San Juan Capistrano, CA, we understand the pressures faced by college students. We offer alcohol addiction treatment tailored to your specific needs and we can help you address any underlying issues which may have led you to misuse alcohol through counseling and therapy. We will provide you with the tools to carry you through life’s challenges without the need for alcohol. It’s never too early for a change!
