The Problem with Alcohol on College Campuses

Alcohol on college campuses has become a major issue across the United States. However, many people turn a blind eye to the dangers.

Much of society sees college as a time to party and “get it out of your system” before individuals become adults. Unfortunately, it’s also a common period where young adults develop an alcohol addiction. Since drinking alcohol on college campuses is widely accepted, it’s difficult for young adults to acknowledge their problems.

Alcoholism affects the part of the brain geared for survival. When the brain thinks that it needs alcohol to survive to deal with daily life, it’s unlikely the person will see a problem. Unfortunately, this leads to many college students failing or dropping out of college altogether. At a certain point, students may even cross an invisible line where drinking takes over their lives.

The Presence of Alcohol on College Campuses Leads to Underage Drinking

Many individuals who begin drinking alcohol on college campuses do so illegally when they’re freshmen or sophomores. While many people know the legal drinking age in the United States is 21, they don’t understand why. In truth, it takes time for the human brain to fully develop. When individuals start binge drinking at a young age, they’re more likely to develop a problem.

The prefrontal cortex is responsible for maintaining sound judgement and moderating pleasure. Young people who drink have a much different experience than fully developed adults. This can lead to individuals drinking on a regular basis until their bodies depend on alcohol to function. It doesn’t take long for alcohol to take priority over a young person’s academic, social or family life. Because of its potential effects on the user and on others, alcohol is often considered the most dangerous drug.

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Young People Unable to Cope Abuse Alcohol on College Campuses

Between the ages 14–24, many people begin to develop symptoms of mental illness for a variety of reasons. When mental illness symptoms arise, many young people become scared and confused. Not only do they begin to feel differently, but they’re already dealing with various stresses.

Some of the most common mental illnesses include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood disorders
• Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

No matter the illness, managing these symptoms properly can be difficult. In fact, many people who begin experiencing these symptoms don’t ask for help. This can result in drinking to self-medicate. Individuals may consume alcohol to manage their anxiety, or they may even begin mixing alcohol with different medications. It’s important for college students to find healthy alternatives to alcohol.

One of the troubling issues with alcohol on college campuses is that many students use ADHD medications with or without a prescription. Combining these stimulants with alcohol can mask the substance’s intended effects, which allows individuals to drink longer. Increased consumption can lead to alcohol poisoning and other long-term health issues.

Finding Help at Sober College

At Sober College in California, we help young adults ages 18–26 overcome alcoholism as well as other types of addiction. As part of our unique college rehab program, students can earn college credits through our partnership with Woodbury University while also recovering from alcohol addiction. Students can also embrace different forms of experiential therapy, including surfing, rock climbing and team sports.