COLLEGE DRINKING FACTS
Alcohol is the most common drug consumed by college students. Most Cal students who drink make safe choices and don't experience negative academic, physical or social consequences due to their drinking.
But don't underestimate the scope and size of possible alcohol-related risks and consequences. They are significant and well-documented. They can be direct to the drinker and/or have second hand impact on others. Negative consequences include death, injuries, sexual and physical assault, hangovers, black-outs, impaired academic performance, student attrition, driving under the influence, legal fines, property damage, vandalism, high risk sex, and dependence. Negative consequences vary by location and age of drinking.
To successfully prevent and reduce alcohol-related problems at UC Berkeley, we try to understand not just who drinks and how much, but also where, when, why and how drinking takes place. The campus Alcohol Problem Prevention Coalition (APPC) draws on several national college drinking data sources as well as our own campus research statistics to inform and guide our policies and programs. Key information and facts are outlined here. If you have questions or seek additional information, please contact the APPC co-chair Karen Hughes.
Last revised: September 2011
