Chantelle Boateng, Staff Writer

The college experience is one that is looked forward to by many. The idea of being away from home for the first time and being able to develop one’s independence is like a dream. The main reason being that one has the freedom to do as they please without being told otherwise.

The thought of fitting in with the popular crowd on campus can cause college students to partake in risky behaviors such as drinking. Not only do they do it for popularity purposes, but for a variety of reasons. Many participate in underage drinking and binge drinking sometimes to escape the stresses of their daily lives.

“College students take part in underage drinking because it is their first college experience,” said Counselor and AOD Educator Abigail Reyome.

“Students also drink as a way to release stress and socialize,” Reyome said.

Peer pressure can be a key factor that leads students to consume alcoholic beverages. The level of competition among students on college campuses can lead them to drink more than their bodies can handle. Binge drinking can result in having impaired judgment and taking part in activities they otherwise wouldn’t when sober.

“The dangers of drinking arise when some people pass their limit to get wasted,” said sophomore David Buko.

“Once someone reaches that point long term memory could suffer and cause many other things to occur. After all, alcohol is a drug and too much of any drug can be detrimental.”

Drinking can lead to other complications on one’s body when done excessively, such as liver damage or, in the worse case scenario, death. The most efficient way, of ensuring the safety of college students and drinking is to educate them on the dangers that are associated with the consumption of alcohol.

“Educating students on what to do when drinking is important because they have to be truthfully informed of the dangers of drinking,” said Counselor and AOD Educator Abigail Reyome.

“Students also have to be encouraged to take part in sober activities or events that does not include drinking,” Reyome said.

While many think drinking can only harm one’s body, there are other consequences of alcohol consumption as well.

“Drinking can harm students because it can lead them to have an addiction to alcohol, as well as leading them to not care about their education,” sophomore Stefany Chavez said.

“Drinking too much can cause them to hurt themselves or others physically, which can jeopardize their future,” Chavez said.