Binge Drinking

This past weekend many partook in the festivities of St. Patrick's Day. In addition, the retreats and activities of spring break will add pressure on college students to celebrate in excess.

During this time of year, alcohol is often heavily involved in celebrating both St. Patrick's Day and spring break. However, binge drinking has consequences and college students should be aware of its effects.

The recommended maximum allowance of alcohol is about six units of alcohol for men and five units for women. A unit of alcohol is equal to a little more than 12 ounces of beer or a small glass of wine. Anything over this amount in a single sitting is considered binge drinking. If this pattern of binge drinking is continued on an everyday basis it can cause serious health risks and acute alcoholism.

Alcoholism can lead to impairment in functioning physically, mentally and socially. Compulsive consumption of drinking has the harsh physical health risks of gastritis, depression, cirrhosis and dental diseases.

A survey of 10 UM-St. Louis students shows that six admitted to binge drinking in the past year. Two admitted to binge drinking on a weekly basis. Morenike Coker, junior undecided, said that binge drinking "stems from curiosity from everybody else engaging in it. You want to see how fun it can be."

"Binge drinking is portrayed a lot in advertisement," Coker said.

Alcohol can also be harmful to those attempting to eat and drink healthy. A 12-ounce glass of beer can have as many calories as a sugared jelly donut. Calories from alcoholic beverages are considered the worst among dieticians because not only are the calories empty, but they also contain high levels of toxicity.

Alcohol is also a diuretic, or it dehydrates the body of water-soluble vitamins. Drinking plenty of water between drinks will help prevent dehydration. Some dieticians also recommend drinking a glass of orange juice when finished drinking to replenish the body's vitamin supply.

These students are not alone. The United States Department of Health and Social Services estimates that 30.7 million or 16.6 percent of all drivers reported driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs last year. Almost six percent of those had been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in the past.

Advocate group Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has been urging legislatures in many states to pass the Victims of a Crime Act. The bill would require all DUI offenders to have mandatory ignition interlocks installed in their vehicles.

"This [bill] will at least help send a message to a first time DUI offender and hopefully prevent repeat offenses," said April Bartolomew, advocate with MADD.The bill has passed senate floors in many states such as Oklahoma and Virginia. This bill will go to many other states legislatures and many be introduced to Congress during National Crime Victims Rights Week, April 13-19.

"If [the bill] keeps one person from drinking and driving, then the bill works," said Bartolomew.

Seven out of the 10 UM-St. Louis students surveyed support legislation requiring mandatory ignition interlocks for DUI offenders.

Many businesses that serve alcoholic beverages are supporting those who choose to be designated drivers. Some establishments are giving advantages to designated drivers by offering free soft drinks, food specials and no cover charges to designated drivers. Three UM-St. Louis students out of ten have volunteered to be designated drivers in the past three months. Four out of ten choose to have designated drivers when they go out.

For more information and support you can contact Mothers Against Drunk Driving at (314) 426-1595.