So many times students are told by their friends, family, and community that all college students do is drink and party. Almost never is the public reminded of the fact that at least 20 percent of all college students never touches alcohol.
“This percentage is still growing,” said Paul Dexter, outreach specialist from USM counseling services.
Dexter’s specialty is in alcohol and substance abuse on campus. Not only are the numbers smaller, but at least 50 percent of students who do drink, drink responsibly. This means that they don’t drink to get drunk, but rather drink for social gatherings, he said. Because of the stereotype, many associate binge drinking and the use of drugs with college life.
Recently, students received the USM Alcohol and Drug Policy pamphlet in the mail explaining the effects of alcohol and drugs and the consequences students face when getting caught with either in their possession. These consequences often include a fine and a strike on your permanent record, Dexter said.
According to the pamphlet “the University of Southern Maine must comply with the laws of the state of Maine and with local campus regulations and procedures.”
When students were asked if they had read the pamphlet, many said they hadn’t. Often times this leads to confusion about the policy itself and the punishments one faces when going against the policy. Punishments such as “a $2,000 fine and one year in jail for furnishing liquor to a minor,” according to the pamphlet.
Many students were outraged about the laws, saying that they were unfair.
“I think they should crack down on drugs and not drinking because I think all college students should be allowed to drink,” said Nick Wilson, a senior English major.
“College kids are going to drink, and they’re going to do it whether people want them to or not,” Wilson said.
Others agree that there should be harsh punishments.
“I have friends who dropped out of college because they partied too much,” said Paige Todorich, a senior English major.
Todorich said this could have been prevented had they not been binge drinking.
According to Dexter, more often than not people are responsible drinkers.
“Only 30 percent (less than a third) of all college students drink to get drunk.”
When asked if he thought USM had a problem with alcohol consumption, Dexter said.
“Not any more of a problem than in any other institution.” He also said that the drinking situation in USM is not much different from the general Portland area.”USM is a microcosm of the greater Portland community.”
Dexter said information is the key to helping students. He said the pamphlet is just one small step towards that.
There are other resources that students can check out to help understand the dangers of irresponsible alcohol use. There is a Web site through USM, http://www.usm.maine.edu/alcohol, which specifically deals with the issue. It also gives a free alcohol screening online. Another useful resource is the USM Navigator.
“Each school deals with the problem [alcohol and substance abuse] differently,” said Dexter. “USM just uses a more student centered approach.”