How Alcohol Misuse Affects College Students’ Academic Success and Mental Health

It’s clear that alcohol misuse impacts more than just the drinkers; it can also take a toll on their peers. A recent study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs reveals how college students can suffer from the reckless behavior of their drinking friends. They face issues like declining grades, mental health challenges, and even thoughts of suicide due to exposure to alcohol-related problems.

Pamela J. Trangenstein, the lead researcher at the Alcohol Research Group, highlights the study’s unique angle. “We often focus on physical or social harm from drinking, but this research shows how others’ alcohol use can affect a student’s academic journey,” she notes.

In this study, researchers surveyed 1,822 college sophomores and juniors, exploring five specific harms linked to others’ drinking:

1. Harassment (being insulted or bothered)
2. Physical harm (being hit or pushed)
3. Unwanted sexual contact
4. Academic issues (like dropping a class)
5. Caring for drinkers (cleaning up after them)

The findings were striking. Over a third of students reported taking care of friends who had been drinking. About 15% experienced harassment, while 5% faced sexual harassment or physical assault from intoxicated peers. Surprisingly, 3% reported academic harms due to the drinking habits of others.

Different types of harm were associated with various negative outcomes. Students who faced harassment were 43% less likely to enjoy their college experience and 74% more likely to have suicidal thoughts. Assault victims were 58% less likely to achieve a GPA of 3.0 or above. Those who experienced unwanted sexual contact were nearly three times more likely to show signs of depression.

David H. Jernigan, a co-author from Boston University, emphasizes the need for proactive measures. He suggests colleges collaborate with lawmakers to increase alcohol taxes, restrict marketing, and limit availability. Implementing alcohol-free dorms could also support students seeking a safer environment.

Surveys show that approximately 30% of college students engage in binge drinking, which contributes to these negative outcomes. Understanding the broader impact of alcohol misuse can help tackle these issues at their root.

To learn more about alcohol-related studies, visit the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs here.

Research Reference: Trangenstein, P. J., et al. (2024). “Harms from others’ drinking and key indicators of the college experience in the United States.” Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. doi.org/10.15288/jsad.24-00170.

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Mental Health, Alcohol, Drugs, Research, students