Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Alcohol Abuse & Collegiate Academic Performance







Alcohol leaves the body at the same rate regardless of demographics.


According to the State University of New York at Potsdam, collegiate binge drinking is decreasing. However, alcohol abuse encompasses more than just binging. Students whose physical, mental or social well-being is damaged as a result of their drinking are abusing alcohol.


Effects


College students who abuse alcohol put their academic goals at risk. According to the U.S. Department of Education's Higher Education Center for Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention, the abuse of alcohol can cause students to miss classes and perform poorly on exams or assignments. Students with poor grades can lose their financial aid and may have to drop out of college.


Expert Insight


The Core Institute's research demonstrates a correlation between alcohol consumption and student grades. Students that have B averages drink about one more drink a week than A average students. In addition, those with D or F averages drink almost seven more drinks each week in comparison with A students.








Misconceptions


Some college students believe they can beat the effects of heavy drinking with various home remedies such as exercise, coffee or cold showers. According to the State University of New York at Potsdam, these tactics do not work. The passage of time is the only way to get sober after drinking. Alcohol leaves the body at a rate of .015 percent of blood alcohol content each hour, according to the university. This rate is standard for all humans no matter their gender, size or age.

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