Binge drinking, defined as the consumption of five or more drinks in a row on at least one occasion, is a widespread phenomenon on most college campuses. In a survey of students at 140 colleges by researchers from the Harvard University School of Public Health, 44% reported binge drinking (five or more drinks in a row for men, four or more for women during the past two weeks). Half of all males binged, compared with 39% of females. The study classified 19% of all students as "frequent binge drinkers" who binge three or more times in two weeks (23% of men and 17% of women). At almost one-third of the colleges surveyed, more than half of students reported binge drinking. This problem does not only interferes with the mission of a higher education but also carries with it serious risks of disease, injury, an

Bingers are 21 times more likely than non-bingers to miss class, full behind in school work, do property damage, get hurt or injured, engage in unprotected or unplanned sex, get in trouble with the police, and drink and drive (Welsher, 1996).

By changing students' attitudes through indirect methods, we may reduce binge drinking. The key to curbing college alcohol abuse lies in changing the cultural meaning of drinking (Hamilton, 40). Instead of telling students to abstain from alcohol, we should inform them about how to drink responsibly.

If we can raise students' overall self-esteem, we will also be able to curb drinking. This can be done by offering more opportunities for creativity, more volunteer and work activities, and social organizations that do not drink. Not only will these opportunities raise self-esteem, they will provide students with opportunities to meet other students in a safe environment, fulfill their social needs, provide a stress outlet, and allow students to achieve natural highs.

Of those surveyed, 61% reported missing class after a night of drinking, 54% regret or forget what they did, 41% had unplanned sex, and 23% injured themselves or damaged property (Wechsler, 1996).

People with this problem usually lack respect for their bodies and the confidence to stand up to peer pressure. Students also quickly discover that those things that lead to natural highs, such as achievements or friendships, take real work and dedication. Alcohol, on the other hand, gives an easy high, and an escape from the stress.

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Approximate Word count = 1834
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)