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College students must learn to recognize alcohol abuse

University Relations
News Bureau (662) 325-3442
Contact: Mike Pizzitola
July 26, 2007

STARKVILLE, Miss.-Alcohol abuse by students continues to present challenges for college and university administrators throughout the United States.

Regina Lattimore, an alcohol and drug educator at Mississippi State University, says national studies have indicated that approximately 42 percent of college students use-and about 17 percent abuse-alcohol. "Abuse" can be defined as needing or craving alcohol and consuming four or more drinks a day three or more times a week, though the number may depend on age and body weight, she adds.

Fatigue, lack of energy, laziness, irritability, anger, and a seeming desire to do little more than consume alcoholic beverages are among some noticeable signs that can categorize abusive behavior, she explains. Alcohol poisoning, liver damage and even respiratory problems are just a few health issues that can develop from such abuse, she adds.

While Lattimore and her colleagues recommend against its consumption, they suggest to students choosing to legally consume alcohol: (1) pace yourselves by alternating alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic liquids and (2) consume only one alcoholic beverage an hour for no more than four hours.

For those with growing concerns that a friend or relation may have an alcohol abuse problem, Lattimore offers some advice to address the situation:

First, acknowledge reality of the problem;
Attempt to confront the person in a helpful manner; and
Be aware of available area groups or professionals available to help those in need to work through the problem. Lattimore said MSU's Longest Student Health Center has an alcohol and drug abuse education program to help students deal with their problem. Observing that the center never condones the use of alcohol at any level, she adds, "But, if you drink, please drink responsibly."