National College Drinking Consequences

There are many documented risks associated with alcohol & other drug (AOD) use, affecting not only individuals, but also their family and friends. AOD abuse can lead to serious health and social problems, including short and long-term effects on the body and mind. Additionally, alcohol abuse, including binge drinking*, can effect academic, athletic, work performance and lead to violent or destructive behaviors. There is also a strong relationship between alcohol & other drug use and risk of inappropriate sexual behaviors.

Death: 1,400 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die each year from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including motor vehicle crashes.

Injury: 500,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are unintentionally injured under the influence of alcohol.

Assault: More than 600,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking.

Sexual Assault: More than 70,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are victims of alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape.

Unprotected Sex: 400,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 had unprotected sex and more than 100,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 report having been too intoxicated to know if they consented to having sex.

During the past year, 1.0% of CSUEB students experienced unwanted sexual intercourse or other sexual touching due to being under the influence of alcohol.

Academic Problems: About 25% of college students report academic consequences of their drinking including missing class, falling behind, doing poorly on exams or papers, and receiving lower grades.

Almost 3% of CSUEB students report that alcohol abuse affected their academic performance and/or class attendance.

Health Problems/Suicide Attempts: More than 150,000 students develop an alcohol related health problem and between 1.2% and 1.5% of students indicate that they tried to commit suicide within the past year due to drinking or drug use.

Drunk Driving: 2.1 million students between the ages of 18 and 24 drove under the influence of alcohol last year.

82% of CSUEB students report not drinking and driving in the past month.

Vandalism: About 11% of college student drinkers report that they have damaged property while under the influence.

Police Involvement: 110,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are arrested for an alcohol-related violation such as public drunkenness or driving under the influence.

Alcohol Abuse and Dependence: 31% of college students met criteria for a diagnosis of alcohol abuse and 6% for a diagnosis of alcohol dependence in the past year.

Contributed by the Task Force of the National Advisory Council on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov. CSUEB data compiled from Health Assessment 2001.

* Binge drinking is defined as 5 drinks in a row per occasion for males and 4 for females.

Health Risks

Alcohol (Depressant):

• Sudden death
• Pancreatitis
• Increased HIV & STD Risk
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Ulcers & gastritis
• Anemia
• Neurological problems- dementia, blackouts, seizures
• Disruption of heart rhythm, high blood pressure, brain hemorrhage
• Permanent memory loss
• Infertility and impotence
• Decline in immune system functioning
• Kidney failure
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Lung damage
• Hepatitis
• During pregnancy may result in miscarriage, fetal damage, birth defects, developmental disabilities and infant death
• Hallucinations
• Depression
• Tolerance and dependence
• Aggressive behavior

  Other Depressants (opium, heroin, morphine, codeine and synthetic opiates)

• Slow down physical and psychological responses
• Overdose (respiratory, cardiac, and circulatory systems slow down and cease to function)
• Psychosis, hallucinations & paranoid delusions
• Impaired judgment & motor performance

  Stimulants (amphetamines, methamphetamines, cocaine)

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Fatal heart rhythm abnormalities
• Convulsions
• Psychosis
• Paranoia anxiety
• Violent behavior
• Depression

  Hallucinogens (LSD, Ecstasy, mescaline, and mushrooms)

• Panic reactions
• Flashbacks
• Overdose
• Death
• Hallucinations

  Cannabis (Marijuana and Hashish)

• Respiratory difficulties
• Bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Lung cancer
• Death
• Decreased judgment, impaired perceptions and motor performance
• Panic reactions
• Flashbacks
• Depression
• Psychosis

  Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids

• Cardiovascular, liver, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal disorders
• Males-testicular atrophy, sterility and impotence
• Females-irreversible masculinization and sterility
• Mood swings, depression and aggressive behavior

What are Potential Signs of a Problem?

• Failure to fulfill major work, school, or home responsibilities.
• Specific school problems such as poor attendance, low grades, and/or recent disciplinary action.
• Drinking in situations that are physically dangerous, such as driving a car.
• Having recurring alcohol-related legal problems, such as being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or for physically hurting someone while drunk.
• Continued drinking despite having ongoing relationship problems that are caused or worsened by drinking.
• Mood changes such as temper flare-ups, irritability, and defensiveness.
• Physical or mental problems such as memory lapses, poor concentration, bloodshot eyes, lack of coordination, or slurred speech.

Information on the risks associated with alcohol and other drugs is also available at Student Health Services in the Health Promotions Department (510) 885-3733.

Where to Get Help

California State University, East Bay provides a variety of counseling, treatment, and educational programs to identify and help those who abuse alcohol and other drugs.

CSUEB Campus Services

Students

Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS): 510-885-3690
Registered students can get an evaluation for alcohol/drug concerns at CaPS for FREE. If further individual sessions are needed, students can have up to TEN free personal counseling sessions.

Student Health Services (SHS): 510-885-3735
SHS has a part-time licensed psychiatrist who sees students for a nominal fee. A referral to the psychiatrist may be made by one of the medical doctors or counselors at CaPS or by making an appointment directly. Appointments can also be made with a SHS physician or nurse practitioner for medical evaluations.

For Faculty & Staff

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):1-800-234-5465
Faculty and staff can get counseling and referrals through this program.

Individuals are also encouraged to seek help through any of the community resources outside of CSUEB.

Your health matters--We're here for you!