Back in Mississippi, as college students flock back to their schools and universities, administrators and law enforcement officials are preparing for the excessive alcohol consumption and abuse that normally accompany the beginning of school. Collegiate binge drinking has become a problem throughout the United States. Linda Patterson, health education specialist for Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said knowing the do's and don'ts of alcohol consumption can help a person prevent and identify alcohol related problems. If a person drinks in appropriate amounts, at appropriate times and in appropriate places, many serious problems can be avoided. It's all about responsibility.
Responsibility comes with age.
Since many college students are under 21, the legal age to consume alcohol, a lot of binge drinking and problems associated with it result from students drinking illegally. Tonya Burkett, crime prevention coordinator for MSU's police department, said the problem with drinking on campus, especially by minors, is a big concern for law enforcement officials. A lot of the alcohol incidents that take place involve kids under the age of 21. We schedule alcohol programming all over campus throughout the year, including sponsoring an alcohol awareness week. We involve every group on campus, from those students involved in Greek life to the students in the residence halls.