Also, more than 8 percent damaged property or caused disturbances, like pulling a fire alarm. Fifteen percent of students were hurt or injured under the influence, and over 38 percent did something under the influence that they later regretted. Over 12 percent of students report being taken advantage of sexually and over 5 percent report that they have taken advantage of another sexually. Although any amount of alcohol consumption can cause problems, binge drinking is one of the biggest problems across college campuses nationwide. Binge drinking is defined as consuming five or more drinks in a row for males and four or more drinks in a row for females.
Alcohol poisoning is a severe and potentially fatal physical reaction to an alcohol overdose.
When excessive amounts of alcohol are consumed, the brain is deprived of oxygen. The struggle to deal with an overdose of alcohol and lack of oxygen will eventually cause the brain to shut down the voluntary functions that regulate breathing and heart rate. The legal drinking age is 21 in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. If you are hanging out with an older crowd that is legally able to drink, you might feel more pressure to drink in order to feel at ease or to belong in that group, but remember, it is illegal to buy, possess, or consume alcohol if you are under 21. Also, aside from legal consequences, your college or university may take action against you, including expulsion.