College Drinking and Addiction Treatment

It’s no secret that drinking is prevalent on college campuses across the country, but most people don’t realize that it is a serious problem that leads to serious consequences. A 2023 study showed that more than 15% of college students met the criteria for an alcohol use disorder (AUD), and that the deaths of more than 1,500 college students were alcohol-related. In response to these numbers, many alcohol treatment facilities have developed treatment programs specifically for young adults.

Reasons Behind College Drinking

College students drink for different reasons. Many surveys and studies, however, have identified the most common reasons. Some drink as a coping mechanism to deal with the stress of college life, while others drink to feel more comfortable in social situations or to fit in with peers. Most drinking on campuses is social, taking place at bars or parties. It’s become such a common thing to do that students feel that they have to participate in drinking to be “normal”.

Binge Drinking and Alcohol Overdose

Binge drinking is common, defined as five drinks in two hours for men, and four drinks in two hours for women. In a 2024 study, nearly 30% of college students reported binge drinking in the last month. Unfortunately, this has led to serious consequences, including alcohol poisoning and alcohol overdose. When alcohol overdose occurs, the parts of brain that control heart rate and breathing begin to shut down, which can lead to brain damage and death.

Signs of alcohol overdose include:

• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• An inability to stay awake
• Slowed breathing and heart rate
• Low body temperature
• Clammy skin, or pale to bluish skin

Alcohol Use Disorder Defined

If you are a college student or a family member of a college student, and are concerned about alcohol use, it’s important to know how an alcohol use disorder is defined. The definition specifies 11 criteria that determine whether an AUD is present.

1. Drinking more than intended or for longer than intended
2. Wanting to reduce or stop alcohol use but not being able to
3. Spending excessive amounts of time drinking or recovering from drinking
4. Feeling cravings for alcohol
5. Failing to live up to responsibilities due to alcohol use
6. Having relationship problems because of alcohol use
7. Giving up activities that you enjoy in order to drink instead
8. Engaging in risky behaviors like driving while drinking or under the influence
9. Continuing to drink in spite of negative consequences like health issues
10. Needing more alcohol to get the same effects
11. Having withdrawal symptoms when you are not drinking

Having two to three of these symptoms indicates a mild AUD, four to five is considered moderate, while six or more is severe.

Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment

Treatment for college students with an AUD is nearly identical to treatment for anyone, but in therapy, issues that are specific to college students are addressed. These may include things like the stress of adjusting to college life, pressure to perform well, and trying to fit in with peers.

Types of therapy used in an alcohol treatment program may include:

• Motivational Interviewing: Motivational interviewing involves helping you to set goals for your recovery, and to build your motivation to achieve those goals. It works by exploring how alcohol has disrupted your life, and what will drive you to get better, whether it’s your education, your health, or some other aspect of your life.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on changing your negative or irrational thought patterns into positive, reasonable thoughts. It also teaches healthy coping strategies.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT is similar to CBT but focuses on working through negative emotions and learning skills to change negative behaviors. It also involves learning mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance.
• Relapse Prevention Therapy: This approach involves identifying your specific relapse risks and triggers, meaning situations and emotions that put you at risk of relapse. It teaches you how to handle those risks, both with your thoughts and with specific behaviors.

Levels of Alcohol Treatment

At most alcohol treatment facilities, three levels of treatment are available, and these levels are ideally combined into a comprehensive treatment program.

Inpatient Treatment

A 30 to 90 day inpatient treatment program includes a period of detox, in which you are kept safe and comfortable while withdrawing from alcohol, and intensive therapy, both individual and in groups. You may also be treated for any co-occurring disorders that you may have, such as anxiety and depression. Medication may be part of the treatment.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) allows you to live at home while attending treatment for four to six hours per day, five days a week. The program may last anywhere from four weeks to ten weeks. The treatment consists of therapy similar to that of inpatient treatment, both in groups and individually.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) consists of two to three hours of therapy several days a week for eight to twelve weeks. Often, sessions are held in the evenings so that you can still go to work or attend school. Treatment, again, involves individual and group therapy.

Comprehensive Treatment

The most effective treatment for alcohol addiction, particularly if it is severe, is a comprehensive treatment program that consists of an inpatient program, a PHP, and an IOP. Research shows that success rates increase the longer the treatment program. Even after IOP, support should continue through support groups, individual therapy, or both. Recovery from alcohol addiction, or any addiction, is a lifelong process that requires dedication and a strong support network.

Educating College Students on the Dangers of Drinking

Many universities have implemented educational programs on the dangers of drinking. Other measures targeting college drinking have also been put in place at various universities. For example, the University of Michigan launched an app that helps students to measure their drinking. Other strategies have been proposed to alter the culture and environment of college campuses in order to discourage drinking and promote safety. These include:

• Establishing an alcohol-free campus
• Implementing a campuswide social norms campaign
• Restricting alcohol sponsorship or advertising
• Restricting happy hour pricing or promotions
• Creating amnesty policies
• Implementing safe-ride programs
• Educating students on bystander interventions
• Prohibiting alcohol use or service at campus social events

Many universities and colleges are also providing alcohol treatment and recovery resources on campus.

In Closing

Alcohol abuse on college campuses is a problem that students and parents should be aware of to prevent serious consequences. If you are a student and are struggling with alcohol use, or if you are a parent with concerns, Bridges of Hope is here to help with several treatment options. We are committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate, personalized care for college students so that they can look forward to a brighter, healthier future.  Give us a call today.