AAA Texas: College Freshmen at Higher Risk of Binge Drinking.

HOUSTON -- An analysis by AAA Texas indicates freshman college students nationally are at an increased risk of binge drinking and other alcohol-related dangers.

Several studies completed over the past decade have documented that college students engage in binge drinking at a greater rate than non-college students aged 18-24. Binge drinking is defined as 5 or more drinks on a single occasion for males and 4 or more drinks for a female. Binge drinking can lead to other dangers, such as driving under the influence, alcohol poisoning and the risk of developing alcoholism later in life. First year students are at particular risk because many experience adjustment problems related to leaving home and entering a new environment.

"By analyzing several studies, a national pattern emerges of alcohol use beginning in the freshman year and continuing through the traditional 4 years students spend in college," said Steven Bloch, Ph.D., senior research associate for AAA Texas. "Forty-two percent of freshman report binge drinking, a statistic that has remained consistent since at least 1993."

Bloch observed that data show drinking jumps considerably as young people enter college. "We see that 42 percent of freshman report binge drinking, increasing to 43 percent for sophomores. Binge drinking peaks in the junior year at 46 percent, dropping to 45 percent in the senior year," he said.

While in high school, college-bound students do not engage in binge drinking as frequently as their non-college-bound friends do. But once they get to college, these students surpass their working friends.

"Twenty-nine percent of non-college bound young adults report binge drinking in high school, compared to 24 percent of students that plan on attending college," Bloch said. "However, after high school, non-college attending adults binge drink at a rate of 34 percent, compared to 42 percent for college freshmen."

AAA Texas is a major sponsor of the College and University Drinking and Driving Prevention Awards, presented annually to institutions that develop substance abuse diversion programs.

The College and University Drinking and Driving Prevention Awards Program presents institutions with cash prizes for innovative and effective approaches on campus. The program is sponsored by the Center for College Health and Safety, AAA Texas and other AAA clubs in 9 states. Since 1998, some 30 awards have been presented to institutions that developed DUI and alcohol prevention programs.

Some institutions have dealt with drinking and driving and alcohol abuse on campus not just through education, but also by changing campus environments, treating problem drinkers or setting up safe ride or designated driver programs.

For example, Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, implemented a CHOICES (Choosing Healthy Options in Community Environments) program that created on-line screening resources to allow students to anonymously screen themselves for alcohol problems. In addition, a freshman seminar was implemented to address underage drinking and risky drinking behavior. A peer mentors program was developed and a nationally known speaker was invited to speak about alcohol on campus.

AAA Texas, an affiliate of AAA National, has been serving Texans since 1902. Today, more than a million AAA Texas members benefit from the organization's roadside assistance service, travel agency, financial products, insurance products and services, automotive pricing, buying and financing, trip planning services, and traffic safety programs. Information about these products and services is available on AAA Texas' Web site at www.aaa-texas.com.