Alcoholism is a growing problem in the United States
, and it may not be a surprise that many college students abuse alcohol on a regular basis. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that four out of five students drink and half of those students binge drink. Binge drinking is defined as drinking that causes a person’s blood alcohol concentration to reach .08, which can happen when men have five drinks or women have four within roughly two hours.
College Partying can Progress into an Addiction
While many students are simply enjoying the college experience, some develop a problem with alcohol that they can’t control. Alcoholism is a disease of the mind and body the causes people to drink even when they don’t want to. Their mind and body are so dependent to alcohol that they’ll make drinking their top priority, which can lead a variety of selfish and illogical behaviors. College students who develop a problem drinking are more likely to fail classes as well as put their future in jeopardy.
The Consequences of Alcohol Abuse in College
According to the NIAAA, 1,825 students die each year as a result of alcohol-related incidents. This figure can include alcohol poisoning or fatal injuries that occurred as a result of their drinking. There are non-fatal consequences as well. Nearly 600,000 students are injured in alcohol-related accidents every year, and approximately 1.2–1.5 students have attempted suicide because of their problems with alcohol. Alcohol is also the involved in more than 97,000 cases of sexual abuse charges among college students every year.
Stopping the Cycle of Addiction
Alcoholism is cunning, baffling and powerful, so it’s important that if you think you or someone you care about has a problem with alcohol that alcohol rehab becomes a priority. Depending on the severity of the alcoholism problem, they can attend an outpatient program that allows them to continue going to school while they’re being treated, or there are inpatient programs for those who need to get away from their environmental triggers. The stresses of a student’s academic responsibilities and peer pressure can often hinder the person’s chances of getting sober, so relocating or entering an inpatient program is sometimes the best option.
A reputable alcohol rehab center that’s qualified to treat addiction can help anyone overcome his or her problems with alcohol. Through a variety of different treatment methods, they help students become educated about the disease of addiction and learn how to live a life where they don’t need alcohol to have a good time. A professional rehab center helps those suffering from addiction go on to live happier and healthier lives through sobriety.
