University Chronicle Extras:
Movies
|
Rate a Pic
|
Horoscopes
|
Career
|
Scholarships
|
Travel
|
GradZone
News
Briefly
Calendar of Events
Commentary
Sports
Diversions
World News
Classifieds
Login
Letter Submission
Search
Archive
Publishing Policy
Mail Subscriptions
St. Cloud State University
College Publisher
Home
>
Diversions
Binge drinking explained
By Jennifer Frey
Published:
Monday, October 20, 2003
Do you drink? Have you ever stopped to consider how much you drink and how often? This week's Women on Wednesday presentation asked these questions while considering the effects of excessive drinking.
Carol Merriman received degrees in applied psychology and community psychology from SCSU. Her son's chemical dependency brought her focus to drugs and alcohol and she has spent the past eight years working for Recovery Plus at the St. Cloud Hospital.
"There is a misperception that drinking is part of the college lifestyle and it is harmless," Merriman said. The younger you are when you start drinking, the higher your risk for developing serious alcohol related problems. Cirrhosis of the liver is the 11th most frequent cause of death is the U.S.
Alcoholics and drug addicts are stereotyped in society. In the movies they are often portrayed as homeless, full of track marks from drug use and carrying their drink of choice in a brown paper bag. In reality, dependents are everyday people.
Some warning signs that could indicate a problem with substance abuse are using alone, keeping use a secret, refusing to participate in other activities and hiding the evidence of use.
Merriman pointed out that it is possible to be a social drinker. Social drinkers have a few drinks and call it a night. If they start to feel that they have had too much to drink, they have the ability to stop. Someone with an abuse problem might have too much and still continue to drink.
People drink or use drugs for many different reasons, said Merriman. Someone might drink excessively to block feelings when they are under emotional stress. Someone might also use to fit in with a group of friends of a person that he or she is dating.
Family history also plays a big role in whether or not someone is likely to develop a drinking or drug abuse problem. Someone who grew up with drugs or alcohol around is more likely to use when they get older and to develop the same habits his or her family members might exhibit.
"Many people think that because they do not use every day, they are not addicted," Merriman said. Using every day is not the only indicator of addiction. The four signs to look for are obsession, negative consequences, loss of control and denial.
Overuse can also lead to other mental problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. Some people begin drinking or using drugs because their use calms the symptoms of the mental diseases they already have. While it provides short-term relief, long-term use of drugs and alcohol is detrimental to the individual.
Merriman's message hit home. "She really made the disease a reality," said sophomore Angela Christenson.
The effects of drinking on women are stronger than on men. Women become intoxicated faster than men because they have lower body water content than men. Recent studies have shown that women's hormone fluctuations might play a role in metabolizing alcohol as well.
Women who are pregnant need to minimize their alcohol consumption, if not eliminate it completely. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a common disease among infants of women who drink. The symptoms of FAS include slower development, webbed fingers and toes, a smaller head, a sunken nasal bridge and a smaller brain.
A study released in March showed that 44 percent of Minnesota college students binge drink (drinking to get drunk). Drinking among college students caused 1,400 deaths, 500,000 injuries and 70,000 cases of sexual assault or date rape last year.
"I liked how she centered her research on Minnesota. It brought the issue a lot closer to home," said senior Julie Gienger.
Merriman suggests monitoring yourself while you drink. Never mix drugs and alcohol. Don't let someone intimidate you into drinking more than you want to drink. Ask someone you trust to drive you home if you have had too much to drink. Most importantly, watch your drinks being made and do not put your drink down for any length of time.
Social drinking in college is going to happen. It's alright as long as you do it responsibly and don't let it get out of control, said Merriman.
Forum:
No comments have been posted for this story.
Post a comment
