Four out of five college students drink alcohol

If you’re are 21 or older and are attending a college or university in Colorado, you are not necessarily breaking any laws if you consume alcohol. Of course, this is assuming you are adhering to all state regulations governing the matter at the time. If you down a six-pack then get behind the wheel of a car to drive, it may not be so benign; in fact, it may not only increase your risk for collision but you may be illegally operating a motor vehicle as well.

It’s no secret that imbibing alcohol is common among college students in Colorado and throughout the nation. Binge drinking, as well, has gained popularity through the years. If someone were to ask you why you drink, what would you say? Perhaps your answer would be similar to the reasons other young adults give as to why they drink alcohol on or off-campus. If you were asked what you might do if facing a legal problem associated with alcohol in college, what would you say then?

Social drinking and addiction

As the title of this post shows, approximately four out of five college students in Colorado and beyond admit to consuming alcohol. Nearly half of those also say they have participated in binge drinking. There is a fine line between a social drinking habit and a substance abuse problem. Understanding the following issues regarding why college students drink may be helpful if you or someone you care about is struggling with a drinking issue:

• Alcohol reportedly has a relaxing or calming effect on many people. College students often say they drink to feel relaxed and to de-stress after a long week of rigorous academics.
• Many college students say they feel more confident in social settings after having a drink or two.
• Peer pressure is alive and well on college campuses throughout the nation. Are you among those who say they drink alcohol because their friends pressure them to do so?
• It is also not uncommon for students to feel homesick when they arrive at college. Such students often say they started drinking as a way to fit in in their new surroundings.

Your main reasons for drinking may or may not be included in this list. In reality, your reasons for drinking may not be as critical as the circumstances surrounding each particular drinking event. Drinking may or may not be a problem in your life. Even if you are not addicted to alcohol, if you face a drunk driving charge, it can still cause serious problems in your college career.

Support is available

If you feel that drinking alcohol has gotten out of hand for you in college and you want to do something about it, you can tap into local resources regarding programs designed to help overcome substance abuse problems. Support is also available to help you address any alcohol-related legal issues you might be facing at this time.