3.  Alcohol related harm: The extent of alcohol related harm experienced by

college students was particularly high and of major concern. High risk

drinking was very common among college undergraduate students both

in terms of total alcohol consumption and of binge drinking. Although

binge drinking was highest among males, the rate of binge drinking

among female students was almost twice that of a similar age group in

the general population. The likelihood of college students experiencing

problems and harm increased with more frequent binge drinking

episodes.  The results from this study show that the drinking pattern

among college undergraduate students clearly has the potential to

interfere with their academic performance, given that many students

missed days, reported their study/work was harmed from drinking and

also felt the effects of drinking while at class/work.  The physical well

being and welfare of students was also compromised due to the risk of

fights, accidents, high risk sexual activity, which was also compounded

with financial and relationship problems. Students themselves recognised

they needed to cut down on their drinking and felt their drinking was

harming their health. In addition, regular binge drinkers spent less time in

study and more time in work, and spent more money on alcohol.  They

were also more likely to be involved in other risk taking behaviours and

were less likely to use positive coping strategies when dealing with

anxiety and depression.  

14