The Numbers on College Binge Drinking

Binge drinking is considered one of the most serious problems on college campuses today, and although the rates of intoxication vary from college to college, binge drinking remains a steady dilemma for college presidents, dean of students, faculty members and other students.

Although alcohol detox and treatment programs are available they are sometimes not easily accessible to a wider audience. Studies have shown that the most ardent of drinkers tend to avoid seeking treatment, while they are also the same group responsible for the most problems on any campus. In a study by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), the criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence is met by nearly one-third of college students.

According to the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC),

• 19% of college students ages 18–24 met the criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence
• 5% of these students sought treatment for alcohol problems in the year prior to the survey, and
• 3% of these students thought they should seek help but did not.

Impact of binge drinking

• 559,000/yr – The number of students between the ages of 18-24 who are unintentionally injured under the influence of alcohol.
• 696,000/yr – The number of students between the ages of 18-24 who are assaulted by another student who has been drinking.
• 400,000/yr – The number of students between the ages of 18-24 who engage in unprotected sexy and more then 100,000/yr who were to intoxicated to know if they consented to having sex.
• 30,000/yr – The number of college students who require medical treatment after overdosing on alcohol.