dangers of drinking daily
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Drinking Almost Every Day Isn't Trendy, It's Alcoholism

"I promise not to get black-out drunk today!" and then they do...

518
beer

We all know that college (unfortunately) normalizes drinking. Whether you're 21 or not, you're most likely going out Thursday through Saturday getting blackout drunk. This is also accompanied by dozens of drunken Snapchats and texts.

It's "normal" to spend your Sunday still drunk, hungover, or sleeping. It's "normal" to drink during the day when your next class isn't for a couple of hours. It's "normal" to brag about how many shots you took of each different liquor and it's funny to share drunken stories. But..all that isn't normal.

The excuses pour in every time I try to question their drinking. "I was with friends!" "It wasn't even that much!" "I can still function." "C's get degrees..." "It's not like I'm hurting anybody..." "It's legal!"

Not being to stop yourself from drinking and/or not being able to limit it, is one of the biggest factors of an alcoholic. So every time you have a friend who says, "I promise not to get blackout drunk today!" and then they do...you're seeing alcoholism. And it's not normal.

Stop pushing it off as "college." Do you really want to develop a lifelong addiction in college? Is it really worth it? Can you really not have sober fun?

Your college habits can make or break your health. College brings stress, mental health problems, and body changes that can last a lifetime. Think about what three days of binge-drinking does to your body, especially when you're already under college-level stress.

Learn to spot when drinking is becoming a problem. There's nothing wrong with indulging yourself sometimes but if you experience these things, you may have a problem.

You might be an alcoholic if you: start to do poorly in school, act dangerously, you've been sexually assaulted under the influence, committing crimes, or getting sick often. And it's not normal. So if you feel like you may be pushing it, stop. If you feel like you need help, you probably do and that's OK. Make sure you have a positive support system around you, but also one that will call you out and watch out for you.

That doesn't have to be your normal. Get help.

If you or someone you know needs help with substance abuse or mental health issues, call 800-662-HELP (4357) for the SAMHSA National Helpline.

Report this Content
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

55174
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35539
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957613
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

185031
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments