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Editorial Policy | Research Policy
College drinking is widespread. According to a report from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 49.3% of full-time college students drink within a given month and 27.4 % binge drink. Binge drinking, defined as five or more drinks in a sitting for men and four or more in a sitting for women, may be common but comes with serious risks.
College students drink for different reasons, many centering around the fact that alcohol is readily available on college campuses. Since college students are more likely to binge drink or drive under the influence than same-aged peers not enrolled in college, it’s not necessarily their age that makes them prone to drinking.
Some common reasons for binge drinking among college students include:
Unfortunately, binge drinking in college students can lead to numerous problems, including developing an alcohol use disorder, the clinical term for alcohol addiction. When people develop an alcohol use disorder, they continue to consume alcohol, even when alcohol misuse causes serious consequences.
Binge drinking among college students is linked to worse academic performance compared to students who do not binge drink or abstain from drinking altogether. Students who binge drink are significantly more likely to miss class or perform poorly on a test or assignment. Continuing to drink despite problems fulfilling duties at school can be a sign of an alcohol use disorder.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heavy drinking increases the risk of injury from many causes, including automobile crashes, drownings, falls and burns. College binge drinking can lead to risky behavior, putting students at risk of injury. For instance, they may fall when walking back from a bar or party or get into an automobile crash when driving under the influence of alcohol.
Research shows that alcohol intoxication is linked to an increased risk of sexual assault for women. Having problems with alcohol has also been found to be linked to vulnerability to sexual assault. However, this does not suggest that a person is to blame for sexual assault; it simply means that avoiding college binge drinking can reduce a person’s risk of becoming a victim.
Over the long term, heavy drinking can cause numerous health problems. According to the CDC, excessive alcohol consumption is linked to heart problems, high blood pressure, stroke, liver disease and different cancers. Over the short term, binge drinking increases the risk of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
Binge drinking on college campuses can also increase suicide rates among college students. Studies have found that people who demonstrate suicidal behavior are often intoxicated, and people who misuse alcohol are at a higher risk of suicide.
The following stats on college drinking provide additional insight into the nature of college binge drinking and alcohol misuse on college campuses:
Another danger associated with drinking is the risk of alcohol poisoning. College binge drinking can cause blood alcohol levels to become so high that basic life functions, such as breathing and heart rate, begin to shut down. When this happens, a person is said to suffer from alcohol overdose or alcohol poisoning.
Some signs that a person is overdosing on alcohol and requires immediate medical attention include:
If someone you know shows signs of alcohol poisoning, it’s important to immediately contact 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room. If you’ve been engaging in underage drinking and are fearful of calling for help, remember that Good Samaritan Laws protect bystanders from being prosecuted for underage drinking or alcohol consumption if they’re helping in the case of a medical emergency.
College binge drinking comes with serious risks, and for those under the age of 21, any level of drinking is illegal and can lead to legal problems, such as probation or expensive fines. If you cannot reduce your alcohol consumption, even when you experience consequences from drinking, you may have an alcohol use disorder. In this case, brain changes from ongoing alcohol misuse make it difficult for you to stop drinking.
When you’re having trouble reducing your drinking, you may benefit from seeking help for alcohol addiction. A treatment program can help you overcome the effects of alcohol misuse and find ways to cope without turning to alcohol. A range of treatment options is also available, including inpatient rehab, in which you live on-site at a treatment facility, and outpatient services, which allow you to live at home or on campus, so you can continue to attend school and work while in treatment.
If you’ve been drinking heavily, you may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms when you try to give up drinking. In some cases, alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and even fatal. It’s important to consult with a medical provider if you are concerned about alcohol withdrawal side effects. Since withdrawal can be complicated, it’s often best to complete a medical detox program before entering alcohol rehab.
For those seeking alcohol treatment, The Recovery Village Palmer Lake offers a full continuum of services, including medical detox. We’re located about midway between Colorado Springs and Denver, and our 110-bed facility offers beautiful mountain views. Contact a Recovery Advocate today for same-day admission.
Because alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous – and even kill you – make sure you have medical advice from your doctor or a rehab facility when you decide to stop drinking.
There are many misconceptions about alcoholism that make it sound like an alcoholic is an easy person to spot, however, many alcoholics function effectively and lead relatively normal lives.
An alcohol abuse problem can include binge drinking, having negative consequences such as hangovers with your drinking but continuing anyway, and drinking despite the desire to stop.
In a recent study by The Recovery Village, 44% of respondents reported abusing alcohol in an attempt to ease uncomfortable feelings that stem from underlying anxiety.
Drinking more than three drinks in a single sitting will temporarily cause your blood pressure to rise, but extended binge drinking or regular alcohol consumption can cause a permanent increase in blood pressure.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. “College Drinking.” March 2023. Accessed April 6, 2023.
O’Hara, Ross; Armeli, Stephen; Tennen, Howard. “College Students’ Drinking Motives and[…] Levels of Analysis.” Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, June 2015. Accessed May 21, 2023.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. “Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder.” April 2021. Accessed April 6, 2023.
Patte, Karen; Wei, Qian; Scott, Leatherdale. “Binge drinking and academic performance,[…]in the COMPASS study.” Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada, November 2017. Accessed May 21, 2023.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Excessive Alcohol Use.” July 11, 2022. Accessed April 7, 2023.
Lorenz, Katherine; Ullman, Sarah. “Alcohol and sexual assault victimization[…]d future directions.” Aggression and Violent Behavior, 2016. Accessed April 7, 2023.
Norström, Thor; Rossow, Ingeborg. “Alcohol Consumption as a Risk Factor for[…]he Population Level.” Archives of Suicide Research, 2016. Accessed April 7, 2023.
Carpenter, Ryan; Merrill, Jennifer. “How much and how fast: Alcohol consumpti[…]rage heavy drinkers.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence, January 2021. Accessed April 7, 2023.
National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws. “Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Statutes.” March 1, 2016. Accessed April 7, 2023. Bayard, Max; McIntyre, Jonah; Hill, Keith; Woodside, Jack. “Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome.” American Family Physician, March 15, 2004. Accessed April 7, 2023.
The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
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