Alcohol Abuse Awareness

By Helene Konsker M.S., RD, CDN

What can you do to help make Adelphi a safer place?

Here are some facts that you may not know about alcohol abuse:

• College-aged students are at a much higher risk of an alcohol-related injury caused by a car crash, slipping or falling, getting into a fight, etc.  While there are many negative long-term affects related to alcohol abuse, it only takes one night and a few bad decisions to have a lasting impact on your life.
• There are significant connections between alcohol use and sexual decision making.  College-aged students are at a greater risk for having sexual health issues.  When alcohol is added to a sexual situation, this risk drastically increases.  Sexual health is an issue that affects all college campuses.  Do not make the mistake of thinking that contracting a sexually transmitted disease or infection won’t happen to you!
• Not only does alcohol have a significant impact on your mental and physical abilities, but it can also have a negative impact on your waistline!  When we drink, it is easy to forget how many calories we are consuming with each beverage.  Many students do not realize that one evening of drinking can easily be the equivalent to an entire day’s worth of calories!
• Alcohol use can result in missing class, doing poorly on tests or projects, disciplinary issues, or other problems.  Research has shown that on average, students who consume the most alcoholic drinks on a weekly basis receive the lowest grades:

• “A” students average 4.21 per week
• “B” students average 6.03 drinks per week
• “C” students averages 7.76 drinks per week
• “D” and “F” students average 9.97 drinks per week

Source: Presley, CA, Leichliter, JS, and Meilman, PW. Alcohol and Drugs on American College Campuses: Finding from 1995, 1996, and 1997. A Report to College Presidents. Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois University, 1999.

• Heading out with friends for the night?  Make a plan before you go out to increase the likelihood that you and your friends have a great time and arrive home safely.  Prior to heading out, make sure you do the following things:
  • Decide whether or not you are going to drink (remember it is illegal to possess or consume alcohol!).
  • Set a lower-risk limit for the night (4 or fewer drinks for a male, 3 or fewer drinks for a female, 0 drinks if you are underage, pregnant, driving, or on medication!)
  • Let your friends know of your decision and respect their decision if they choose not to drink.
  • Eat!  Put some food in your stomach.  It will give you energy and help slow the absorption rate of the alcohol you consume.
  • Designate a sober driver!
  • Set some money aside just in case you need a cab.
  • Pre-program your cell phone with at least 2-3 numbers for a safe ride home. 
• Remember, you can have fun while in college without abusing alcohol!
• For additional alcohol abuse prevention resources visit bacchusnetwork.org
• For more information on what you can do here at Adelphi to raise the awareness of National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, visit the Student Counseling Center.