Alcoholics Anonymous Reviews

The presence of alcohol is an issue on campuses everywhere - between football games and Greek life, college towns' cheap bars and students' newfound freedom, drinking has simply become a part of the American college experience.

And unfortunately, hard partying and binge drinking are not just limited to college kids. Many middle- and high-schoolers turn to alcohol to relieve stress from school work.

In August, 100 university presidents asked lawmakers to consider lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18. They claim that the current laws are not working - and actually encourage binge drinking on campus. Tell us what you think on this controversial topic. Either way, remember that it's never too soon to start taking measures to prevent young people from abusing alcohol. Know that it is possible for young adults to steer clear of alcohol-related injuries and accidents. You can help them prepare to make smart and responsible decisions by talking to them now about the dangers of binge drinking and hard partying.

Myths + Truths

More than 1,700 college students in the U.S. are killed each year as a result of alcohol-related injuries. That's nearly five per day. With drinking games gaining popularity, alcohol-induced deaths on college campuses are becoming everyday occurrences. Nearly 30 percent of students who drink take 21 shots on their 21st birthdays, and many boost their social status by posting drunken or provocative photos on Facebook and MySpace. (Center for Substance Abuse Research, 2008)

What you can do

Know a kid who recently headed off to college? Reduce his or her risk of suffering an alcohol-related injury by following these 7 tips:

1. Make sure he knows where and how he can get help on campus - for emergency, general medical care and mental health reasons - before he ever needs it.

2. Recommend she read the following "reality checks" on the dangers of binge drinking at college: "From Binge to Blackout" by Chris Volkmann and Toren Volkmann and "Dying to Drink: Confronting Binge Drinking on College Campuses" by Henry Wechsler and Bernice Wuethrich.

3. Help him realize that not everyone drinks in college. Suggest that he get involved in sports or student organizations to meet kids he clicks with without drinking or using drugs. And emphasize that even if he does end up making friends who drink, he doesn't have to drink just to fit in with them.

4. Suggest she consider living in a substance-free dorm. That way, she'll have less temptation to drink.

5. Remind him that underage drinking can result in serious and sometimes deadly consequences. For example, 95 percent of violent crime on college campuses is alcohol-related, and 90 percent of college rapes involve alcohol use by the victim and/or assailant.

6. Emphasize that no one can make her do anything she doesn't want to do. A Greek organization, club or team that hazes by forcing new members to drink is doing something illegal.

7. If you're his parent or play a significant role in his life, make sure he knows he can always ask you for help or support, no matter what. Even if you're many miles away, he should know that he can call you to discuss his problems so he doesn't have to turn to alcohol.

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