Male Students Have Greater Alcoholism Risk Than Females

Alcohol abuse, or "problem drinking", is characterized by excessive or unhealthy drinking habits that result in destructive health and social consequences. Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholism, or alcohol dependence. Heavy episodic drinking is defined as more than five drinks for men or four drinks for women at least once in the previous two weeks. Now research reports that more than two of every five college students are at increased risk for an alcohol disorder. Furthermore, twice as many male college students than female students met a 12-month diagnosis of alcohol dependence.

The study, published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol, examined the prevalence of alcohol disorders among U.S. college students. Researchers at Harvard Medical School in Boston, conducted surveys of more than 14,000 college students at 119 4-year colleges to identify alcohol abuse and dependence.

The researchers found that 6 percent of the students met a 12-month diagnosis of alcohol dependence and 31 percent of the students for alcohol abuse. Furthermore, college students who were heavy episodic drinkers were at significantly greater risk for alcohol abuse and dependence. One in every five heavy episodic drinkers were classified with alcohol dependence. The findings also revealed that one in 10 male college students met a 12-month diagnosis of alcohol dependence compared to one in 20 female students.

"Many college students report behaviors and symptoms that meet the diagnostic standard for alcohol abuse or dependence," the study authors write. "In addition to strengthening prevention programs, colleges should implement new strategies for screening and early identification of high risk student drinkers and ensure that treatment is readily available for those with alcohol disorders."

REFERENCES:
1. Knight JR et al. Alcohol abuse and dependence among U.S. college students. J Stud Alcohol 2002 May;63(3):263-70.