The popular perception is that most college students drink too much and use drugs. This image is perpetuated by the media, which often overestimates the number of college students who abuse substances. The reality is that the extent of drinking and drug use on campus varies widely, and many college students do not abuse alcohol or other drugs. In fact, more students choose not to use than most people think. It is also a fact that underage drinking and using illegal drugs of any kind are in violation of college policies and against the law. Nevertheless, alcohol and other drugs are part of many college environments and they show up everywhere — at parties, fraternity or sorority events, concerts, even in locker rooms, libraries, classrooms and study groups. It is not uncommon to know students who are always getting drunk. Among some, this kind of drinking is seen as “what you do in college,” just another extracurricular activity.
If you choose to drink, be aware of the warning signs that signal a possible problem. There are a number of questions used in different screening tests that you can ask yourself from time to time:
Do you drink to get drunk?
Do you use alcohol to cope with problems or difficult situations?
Do you feel guilty about drinking?
When you plan not to get drunk, do you end up intoxicated anyway?
Do you act differently when drinking alcohol than you usually do?
Do you ever “blackout” (lose your memory for a period of time) when you are drinking?
Do you drink to feel normal?
Do you drink alone or with strangers?
Do you gulp drinks or switch to more “potent” ones to get the effect more quickly?
Do you get annoyed when others comment on how much you drink?
Are you comfortable when alcohol is not available?
Do you think it is cool or sophisticated to “hold your liquor” or to “drink your friends under the table?”
Do you drink to regulate the highs and lows of other drugs?
Do you hide how much you drink from others?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you may have a developing or existing problem with alcohol. There are many professionals on campus and in the community who can help you better understand your situation and connect you with counseling or treatment services if needed.
In addition to substance abuse, heavy drinking over the long-term can cause serious physical problems. These can include liver damage, heart disease, ulcers and gastritis, cancer of the esophagus or stomach, brain damage and alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as sweats, shakes and DT’s (Delirium Tremens), which can cause disorientation, memory impairment and hallucinations. Because alcohol reduces your inhibitions and judgment, drinking makes you more vulnerable to unprotected sexual activity, date rape, physical fights, and other forms of violence, as well as car accidents and other injuries caused by intoxicated behavior. Even more subtle consequences, such as relationship problems and low self-esteem, can cause great social and emotional difficulty.
But ultimately, only you can decide if and when to drink and how much is too much. USM will be sponsoring two alcohol screenings for our community on Monday, Mar. 8 (Brooks Student Center, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and Wednesday, Mar. 11 (Woodbury Campus Center, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.). There will also be information regarding alcohol and the college experience, alcohol dependence, and other related topics.
Also check out www.mentalhealthscreening.org/ (keyword: husky) to take an anonymous online screening, as well as www.usm.maine.edu/alcohol/ for links to educational as well as interactive websites.
Sources: www.coag.org
www.drughelp.org
www.factsontap.org