The consequences of alcohol abuse during the college years do not end with
graduation. Frequent, excessive drinking during college increases the prospects
for continuing problems with alcohol and participation in other "health-compromising
or illegal behaviors"(Schulenberg et al., 1996). On the other hand, in
a prospective study of college students, researchers found that although fraternity/sorority
membership is associated with high levels of alcohol consumption in college,
Greek status did not predict post-college heavy drinking levels (Sher et al.,
2001).
Overall, these data indicate that high-risk drinking exposes students, either directly or indirectly, to unacceptable risks.
"I’ve lived in college dormitories for much of my
adult life, so I know firsthand the impact irresponsible drinking has
on the quality of residential life…reducing alcohol-related harm is clearly
central to our mission."
Edward A. Malloy, President
University of Notre Dame