Drinking and university students: from celebration to inebriation

Abstract

There is extensive anecdotal information and considerable interest in the levels and patterns of drinking among university students in Australia. However, few empirical data exist. As a result, a survey was undertaken of students attending the three major universities in the southeast corner of Queensland. Two hundred and nine male and 191 female students, aged 17–25 years, completed a 30‐item survey designed to assess prevalence and patterns of alcohol consumption, associated harms and students' alcohol‐related attitudes. Nearly all (94%) students drank and many drank very heavily. Approximately half the male students and one‐fifth of female students reported drinking to intoxication once or more per week. Consumption of five or more standard drinks on a typical drinking occasion was reported by 54% of students. Overall, more than two‐thirds (69%) of the sample reported drinking at hazardous or harmful levels. About one‐third of the sample reported experiencing an alcohol‐related accident or injury within the last 12 months. Despite this, 62% of students did not believe that a reduction in student drinking was necessary. In addition to examining information on alcohol‐related attitudes and behaviour, this survey identified several groups particularly at risk. [Roche A, Watt K. Drinking and university students: from celebration to inebriation. Drug Alcohol Rev 1999; 18: 389–399]