A new study shows binge drinking on the rise among college students who see at least one major university’s alcohol and drug policies as ineffective.
The research, conducted in 2022 by Stanford University, found that 55% of students who drank in the last 30 days prior to responding to the survey had participated in binge drinking, defined as “4-5 or more drinks in a two-hour period.”
The poll also determined that hard liquor was the most common alcohol consumed, be it in mixed drinks or as shots. That’s a change from a 2019 survey that showed beer and wine were most common.
Respondents in the 2022 poll also proved more likely to have a hangover, vomit, or forget what they were doing or where they were due to drinking.
The research also showed that about half of all students intended to use cannabis, most commonly saying they were interested in “exploring or experimenting.” About 44% said they actually used cannabis.
As far as harder drugs though, about 76% said they didn’t plan on using drugs other than cannabis, nicotine or tobacco.
“We administer this survey in order to understand over time the behaviors and patterns around alcohol and other drug use and to understand what attention is needed to reduce harms in our community,” Vice Provost for Student Affairs Susie Brubaker-Cole said in a university statement.
Students also found Stanford’s current alcohol and drug policies out of touch, with less than 10% agreeing with them to any extent.
Respondents said that the polices create a “more dangerous drinking environment” and “a culture of fear and secrecy.”
The poll was undertaken in the 2022 spring semester with about 37% of all students responding.
Related
