Signs of Alcohol Use in College Students

College life is often filled with exciting social activities and newfound freedoms, but it can also create environments where alcohol use becomes excessive or problematic.

While drinking may seem like a  common part of campus culture, it’s important to recognize when alcohol use crosses the line into abuse. Understanding the signs of alcohol abuse can help students, friends, and family members address the issue before it escalates.

What Is Alcohol Abuse?

Alcohol abuse occurs when drinking begins to negatively impact a person’s life, relationships, or responsibilities. It may involve frequent binge drinking, an inability to cut back on alcohol consumption, or relying on alcohol to cope with stress or emotions. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), binge drinking is particularly prevalent among college students and increases the risk of alcohol dependency and related health issues.

Common Signs of Alcohol Abuse

Recognizing the signs of alcohol abuse early can prevent long-term consequences. Here are some common indicators to watch for:

  1. Drinking to Cope

Using alcohol as a way to deal with stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions is a key warning sign. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) highlights that self-medicating with alcohol often leads to dependency and worsens mental health.

  1. Neglecting Responsibilities

Missing classes, skipping assignments, or neglecting personal responsibilities due to drinking are clear signs that alcohol use is interfering with daily life. In fact, studies show that alcohol abuse negatively impacts academic performance and retention rates.

  1. Frequent Binge Drinking

Consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period—defined as four or more drinks for women and five or more for men within two hours—is considered binge drinking. Regular binge drinking increases the risk of dependency and other health issues, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

  1. Changes in Behavior or Mood

Irritability, mood swings, or increased secrecy about drinking habits can also indicate a problem. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) often affects emotional regulation, leading to erratic behavior.

  1. Health Issues

Physical signs like frequent hangovers, weight loss, or injuries related to drinking (such as falls or accidents) may point to alcohol abuse. The CDC warns about long-term health effects, including liver damage and weakened immunity.

  1. Increased Tolerance

Needing more alcohol to achieve the same effects is a red flag for developing dependency.

  1. Withdrawal Symptoms

Experiencing shakiness, sweating, nausea, or anxiety when not drinking can be a sign of physical dependence on alcohol.

Why College Students Are Vulnerable

The college environment can contribute to the normalization of excessive drinking. Social events, peer pressure, and the availability of alcohol create conditions where misuse becomes common (Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs). Many students see drinking as a rite of passage or a way to fit in, ignoring the potential dangers. For some, academic stress or feelings of loneliness can also drive alcohol abuse as a coping mechanism (NCBI).

The Consequences of Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse can have far-reaching consequences for college students, including:

  • Academic Struggles: Poor attendance, missed deadlines, and declining grades (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
  • Health Risks: Increased vulnerability to injuries, alcohol poisoning, and chronic health issues (CDC).
  • Relationship Strains: Conflict with friends, family, or roommates due to drinking habits.
  • Legal Issues: Underage drinking or driving under the influence can result in fines, arrests, or school disciplinary actions (FindLaw).
  • Mental Health Challenges: Alcohol misuse often exacerbates anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions (NIMH).

5. Focus on external stimuli: look around you and notice tangible items in your surroundings; this can be both grounding and helpful in gaining perspective over your anxiety.

6. Acknowledge your feelings: by acknowledging and naming your feelings you can help diffuse your anxiety—it won’t last forever..

How to Seek Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse, there are resources available to provide support and guidance. College counseling centers, outpatient treatment programs, and peer support groups are great starting points. Seeking help early can prevent the issue from worsening and set the foundation for healthier habits.

Are you or someone you know struggling with alcohol abuse?

Contact The Haven at College today to learn more about our treatment programs specifically designed for college students.

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Formal Treatment

There are a variety of approaches to treating young adults with an anxiety disorder, and there are different types of therapeutic modalities that may be integrated into one’s treatment plan, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), expressive arts therapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). In addition to therapy, some college students diagnosed with an anxiety disorder may benefit from taking medication. The different types of medications prescribed for anxiety disorders include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). Any young person in treatment for an anxiety disorder will benefit most from a nuanced treatment plan that carefully incorporates the best possible therapeutic methods and are specifically geared to each individual’s needs.

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