FREE ESSAY ON BINGE DRINKING

BINGE DRINKING

Report Finds Binge Drinking Major College Problem
A study conducted by researchers at Harvard University found that binge
drinking continues to be a widespread problem among U.S. colleges, 
Reuters
reported Sept. 10.
In particular, the report identified binge drinking among fraternity 
and
sorority students as a major concern.
The study, led by Harvard School of Public Health professor Henry
Wechsler, was conducted in 1997 at 116 campuses in 39 states. A total 
of
14,521 students were interviewed. The researchers found that 42.7 
percent
of students were binge drinkers, with 20.7 percent frequent binge
drinkers. In addition, 81.1 percent of those living in fraternity or
sorority houses were binge drinkers.
Binge drinking is defined as the consumption of at least five drinks in 
a
row for men or four drinks in a row for women.
If colleges are to have an impact on their alcohol problems, they must
change this drinking culture drastically, said Wechsler.
The survey also indicated that 22.5 percent of students had unplanned
sexual activity while under the influence of alcohol and 35.8 percent
drove after drinking. Frequent binge drinkers were found to be at least
eight times as likely to miss a class, fall behind in their schoolwork,
have blackouts, become injured and damage property.
The results of the survey appear in the September issue of the Journal 
of
American College Health.