How Big a Problem is Drinking [alcohol] for University and College Students?

A recent JAMA[2014;311(12):1218-1224] study by Kypros Kypri, Ph.D. et al that used an internet based screening for alcohol abuse followed by random assignment to a brief intervention or no intervention. Those who screened positive for alcohol abuse [Alcohol Use Disorders Identifying Test AUDIT-C score > 4] either got only the screening or also 10 minutes of assessment and feedback [including medical guidelines and peer norms] on alcohol expenditure, peak blood alcohol concentrations, alcohol dependence and access to help and information. The results showed no change for those who received the intervention but did indicate that of the 5135 students screened, 3422 scored positive for alcohol abuse. Thus, in this study they found that two thirds of the university students were at risk for alcohol abuse and other alcohol related problems. Another study by Knight, JR et al in the Journal of Studies of Alcohol 2002;(63)3:263-270, sen questionnaires to 14,000 college students from 114 four year colleges and found that 61% for alcohol abuse and 6% for alcohol dependence. Episodic heavy drinkers were more likely to be dependent on alcohol.

In addition, studies have identified that heavy drinking is associated with increased risk of accidents, partner violence, unwanted sexual encounters, tobacco use and lower academic performance. Also, alcohol dependence is difficult to treat and very frequently the best outcome is abstinance supported by daily meetings at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

So, the risks associated with even episodic heavy drinking in university or college students are very high and yet it is still difficult to treat alcohol abusing students. It seems very clear that screening to identify at risk university and college students and intervening before they have problems may be the only way to stem the tide of this serious medical problem.

Please ask your children who are attending a university or college [and suggest your friends to do the same] about their drinking habits and encourage them to go to student counseling to get help in determining if they may be at risk for developing an alcohol problem.