Fast Facts About Alcohol

What Every College Student Should Know about Alcohol

The Problem - Nearly 14 million Americans — 1 in every 13 adults — abuse alcohol or become an alcoholic. Several million more adults engage in risky drinking that could lead to alcohol problems. These patterns include binge drinking and heavy drinking on a regular basis. Heavy drinking can increase the risk for certain cancers, and can also cause liver cirrhosis, immune system problems, brain damage, and harm to the fetus during pregnancy. In addition, drinking increases the risk of death from automobile crashes as well as recreational and on-the-job injuries. In purely economic terms, alcohol-related problems cost society approximately $185 billion per year. (NIH Publication No. 96 – 4153, Revised 2001).

What Is Binge Drinking - Today the generally accepted definition of binge drinking in the United States is the consumption of five or more drinks in a row by men — or four or more drinks in a row by women — at least once in the previous 2 weeks. Heavy binge drinking includes three or more such episodes in 2 weeks.

What Symptoms Are Associated with Alcohol Poisoning -

• Mental confusion, stupor, coma, or person cannot be roused
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Slow breathing (fewer than eight breaths per minute)
• Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths)
• Hypothermia (low body temperature), bluish skin color, paleness

What Should I Do If I Suspect A Friend Has Alcohol Poisoning -

• Know the danger signs
• Do not wait for all symptoms to be present
• Be aware that a person who has passed out may die
• If there is any suspicion of an alcohol overdose, call 911 for help

Things To Consider If Drinking (factors that can increase intoxication) -

• Amount of food in stomach
• Any prescription or non-prescription medications
• Gender
• Amount of time between drinks
• Number of drinks
• Strength of drinks

For more information or to schedule a workshop, call or email the JCSU Peer Educators at 704-378-1044 or ksiebenaler@jcsu.edu.