Alcohol

A recent, widely publicized, public opinion survey
indicated that of all the things parents worry about these
days, nothing is higher on their list than the possibility of drug
and alcohol abuse by their teen-aged and college aged children.

Around the country and in our area, binge drinking has become a serious
health and safety problem. Binge drinking is the rapid ingestion of four to five drinks of alcohol at least once within a two-week period. It has become an apparent favorite pass time for both high school and, more significantly, college students. According to the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, nearly one half (44%) of college students are binge drinkers. Aside from the academic implications, binge drinkers are ten times more likely to drive after drinking and seven times more likely to engage in unprotected sexual activity. A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Research finds that bingers are more likely then non-drinkers or moderate drinkers to engage in arguments, sustain physical injury, forget where they were and what they did, and have unplanned sexual contact. Reports show that 60% of college women contracting sexually transmitted disease were intoxicated at the time of conception.

A study conducted by Dr. Henry Weschler found that colleges and universities can pay a high price for student over-indulgence in alcohol. Chronic and excessive use is a factor in 34% of all academic problems, and a significant factor in acts of campus vandalism, assault, acquaintance rape, and dropping out (1 in 4). Greater than 7% of freshman drop out for alcohol related reasons.

Clearly, this social phenomenon should be of specific concern to parents and health care professionals alike. Education about the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse generally and binge drinking in particular is n important starting point in the prevention continuum. Beyond that, identification of this syndrome in specific individuals and early intervention is crucial. It can make the difference between successful transition into adult life and enormous personal and family tragedy.

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