Alcohol Abuse a Major Concern for a Connecticut University

Fairfield University of Fairfield, Conn., has a problem with alcohol. Between 2007 and 2008, the University experienced a 70 percent increase in cases of alcohol disciplinary action. According to the Princeton Review, Fairfield University ranks third in the nation for usage of hard alcohol on campus.

One student commented, "The alcohol is more accessible than drugs, and that makes it more dangerous because people will indulge more into it."

According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, Fairfield University is leading a nationwide trend. CASA also states that "the abuse of prescription drugs and marijuana has increased dramatically since the mid-1990s."

Students say that drinking is the most common form of substance use because it is perceived to be safer than drugs and the consequences associated with getting caught are much less severe for alcohol than for other substances.

Student Ryan King echoes the misguided perception of many college students: "I think [students] drink more because of the perception that it's safer, and because it's legal. It doesn't mean that alcohol is safe, but it's safer than taking drugs."

Unfortunately, alcohol poisoning and alcohol-related injuries and fatalities are continuing realities on many college campuses, fueled by the idea that "alcohol is safer than drugs." Experts estimate that over 1,700 college students die each year from alcohol-related accidents and injuries, and each year approximately 599,000 college students are unintentionally injured while under the influence of alcohol.

(Sources: www.fairfieldmirror.com, www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov)

Labels: alcohol, college-drinking, prescription-drug-abuse

posted by Aspen Education Group @ 9:05 AM