Binge Drinking in College: What Percent of Students Drink Alcohol?

College is an important time when students have newfound freedom and independence to pursue new friendships, become part of a new social scene, and create many different experiences. However, this is also when students who are not used to alcohol consumption begin experimenting with it. Known as "the college effect," this behavior can have serious consequences on students’ health and futures.

In this post, we’re going to go over the dangerous relationship between college and binge drinking and the consequences of binge drinking that can arise. 

What Is Binge Drinking? 

Many college alcohol problems are related to binge drinking. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking as a pattern of alcohol consumption that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 percent, or 0.08 grams of alcohol per deciliter, or higher (BAC of 0.08 percent corresponds to 0.08 grams per 100 milliliters). For an average adult, this pattern corresponds to consuming five or more drinks for males or four or more drinks for females in about two hours. 

Drinking excessively in this manner can result in major binge drinking health risks and safety issues, such as car accidents, DUI arrests, sexual assaults, and injuries. Frequent binge drinking over time can also harm the liver and other organs. 

What Percent of College Students Drink Alcohol?

According to the Alcohol Rehab Guide, four out of five college students, or about 80% of college students, drink alcohol while an estimated 50% of those students engage in binge drinking.
 
Many young adults admit to drinking alcohol even before they begin college. Students are frequently tempted by the easy access to alcohol at social gatherings and sporting events. What may initially be one drink might unexpectedly become more. 

Frequently drinking may also result in the body developing an alcohol tolerance, meaning you will need to consume more alcohol to experience the same effect. 

What Percentage of College Students Report Having an Alcoholic Drink in the Past 30 Days?

Some students enter college with already existing drinking behavior, and the college culture they encounter might lead to bigger problems. 

According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH),  about 49% of full-time college students ages 18 to 22 drank alcohol in the past month and about 28.9% engaged in binge drinking during that same time frame. 

However, some binge-drinking college students also engage in high-intensity drinking, defined as drinking what is at least twice as much as what is considered binge drinking. 

What Percentage of Students Drink Alcohol Every Day?

According to previous federal data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than 1 in 8 American undergrads, or 1.4 million college students between the ages of 18 and 22, drink alcohol every day. 

Moreover, the percentage of incoming college students who drink is 11% for frequent heavy drinkers. Frequent heavy drinking is defined as having five or more drinks for men in a sitting three or more times during a two-week period or having four or more drinks for women in a sitting three or more times during a two-week period. 

Binge Drinking in College 

Research indicates that a significant percentage of college students engage in binge drinking. The first six weeks of freshman year are when college students are most likely to binge drink. After the first day of classes, many of these students fall under the peer pressure of college drinking. 

Additionally, over the past few decades, college students have shown a preference for hard liquor over beer. A rising percentage of young individuals are drinking to get drunk rather than to socialize. This is dangerous because liquor requires fewer drinks to have an impact due to its high alcohol content percentage. 

Hand-picked related content: Not everyone in college is of legal drinking age in the U.S. Learn about The Dangers of Underage Drinking here.

Factors Contributing to Binge Drinking in College 

Binge drinking is often driven by various social, psychological, and environmental factors. Peer pressure is one of the most significant contributors, particularly among college students and young adults who may feel the need to fit in or gain social approval. 

For example, alcohol consumption is frequently seen as part of the desired social college experience. Therefore, students continue to drink without considering the potential consequences because they want to meet new people and don't want to feel left out. 

However, there are other factors that may contribute to binge drinking, such as: 

• Stress and emotional struggles, such as anxiety, depression, or major life changes
• A lack of awareness regarding the dangers of binge drinking and a culture that glamorizes heavy alcohol consumption 
• The availability and accessibility of alcohol in social settings 

Consequences of Binge Drinking in College 

Unfortunately, some binge-drinking college students have a risky goal of consuming as much alcohol as possible or passing out. This may lead to college alcoholism and potentially fatal consequences. 

Nearly every undergrad, drinker or non-drinker, has been affected by alcohol abuse among college students during their college life. When a person consumes excessive amounts of alcohol and endangers their own health as well as the health of others, alcohol-related issues start to develop. 

Several negative effects of binge drinking in college include:

• Not following through on important work, school, or home responsibilities. 
• Continuous drinking, even when it causes problems with friends or family. These problems are caused or made worse by alcohol consumption. 
• Drinking in dangerous situations, such as while driving a car or operating machinery. 

Additionally, binge drinkers have a greater risk of:

• Killing someone
• Suicide
• High blood pressure
• Heart attack
• Driving under the influence of alcohol
• Involvement with police 
• Unsafe sex
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Inflammation of the stomach, pancreas, brain, or spinal cord
• Alcohol poisoning 
• Depression 

For example, research on the consequences of heavy college drinking among students between the ages of 18 and 24 found that each year: 

• 1,519 college students die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries. 
• 696,000 college students are assaulted by another student who has been drinking.
• About 1 in 4 college students report academic consequences from drinking, including missing class, falling behind in class, or getting behind in schoolwork. 
• Although sexual assault is typically underreported, researchers have confirmed a long-standing finding that 1 in 5 college women experience sexual assault during their time in college, and many sexual assaults in college involve alcohol or other substances. 

College students with drinking problems can seek help and support through many safe and effective methods and resources, including treatment programs designed specifically for young adults. 

Strategies for Preventing Binge Drinking

Preventing binge drinking starts with education and self-awareness. Understanding the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption and recognizing personal limits can make a significant difference. Here are some strategies to help you prevent binge drinking: 

Educate Yourself About the Risks

Awareness is the first line of defense against binge drinking. Understanding the short-term and long-term effects of excessive alcohol consumption—such as impaired judgment, increased risk of accidents, liver damage, and alcohol dependency—can motivate individuals to drink more responsibly. 

Many educational campaigns highlight the dangers of binge drinking, particularly for young adults and college students. 

Set Clear Drinking Goals

Setting personal limits on how much and how often you drink can help prevent binge drinking. Establishing a goal to only have a certain number of drinks per outing or sticking to specific alcohol-free days can encourage moderation. Apps and trackers can be used to monitor alcohol intake and help individuals stay within safe limits.

Practice Moderation

Instead of abstaining completely, some people may prefer to drink moderately. This can include strategies like pacing yourself by having only one drink per hour, alternating alcoholic drinks with water, or choosing lower-alcohol content beverages. These habits help prevent the rapid rise in BAC that leads to binge drinking.

Find Alternatives to Alcohol-Focused Social Activities

Engaging in social activities that don’t center around alcohol is key. Fitness classes, sports, art projects, and volunteer work are healthy alternatives that allow people to socialize without the pressure to drink. Organizing and attending alcohol-free events can also help shift social norms around drinking.

Learn to Cope with Stress in Healthy Ways

Many people turn to alcohol as a way to relieve stress or anxiety. Finding healthier coping mechanisms such as exercise, meditation, creative hobbies, or talking to a therapist can reduce binge drinking mental health effects and the need for alcohol as an emotional crutch. 

Create a Support System

Having a network of friends, family, or professionals who support your goals of moderate or no drinking can be vital. Surround yourself with people who encourage responsible drinking and avoid peer pressure to engage in binge drinking. If alcohol is becoming a serious problem, seeking help from a counselor or joining a support group can make a significant difference.

Promote a Responsible Drinking Culture

Social environments play a crucial role in drinking behavior. Encouraging friends and peers to adopt responsible drinking habits—such as avoiding drinking games, refusing to pressure others into drinking, and looking out for each other’s well-being—can create a more supportive atmosphere. 

Being mindful of how alcohol is presented at gatherings and choosing not to glamorize excessive drinking can contribute to healthier social norms.

Resources for College Students Struggling with Alcohol Abuse 

College students facing challenges with alcohol abuse have access to a variety of resources that can offer guidance and support. Campus health centers often provide counseling services, alcohol education programs, and peer support groups aimed at helping students manage their drinking habits. 

However, here are additional resources you or a loved one can reach out to for support:  

• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Provides information on alcohol abuse, treatment options, and prevention strategies specifically for young adults.
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): A support network for individuals recovering from alcohol abuse, offering meetings and resources for college students.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): A national helpline offering confidential treatment referrals and information, available 24/7.
• The Jed Foundation: A nonprofit organization that promotes mental health and helps college students cope with stress and substance abuse.
• Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRP): Available on many campuses, these programs support students in recovery from substance use disorder.

It's essential for students to reach out for help early on, as timely intervention can prevent more severe binge drinking health risks and binge drinking academic consequences. 

Sell and Serve Alcohol Responsibly With TIPS

While you can’t control when college students binge drink, you can help and do your part as an alcohol server or bartender by selling and serving alcohol responsibly. Over the past 40 years, TIPS has certified more than 5.5 million participants to sell and serve alcohol while promoting responsible drinking. 

Through our Alcohol Safety Training, businesses and universities benefit immediately by reducing risk and creating a safer, more responsible environment. 

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Do your part and create a safer college community. Sign up today, or feel free to contact us for more information.