Letter: Binge drinking is dangerous to your health
February 5, 2009
Dear Editor:
Despite the cold weather, students at SIUC – me included – are eagerly looking forward to an annual drinking tradition at a local pub. While enjoying a few drinks here and there is definitely part of the college life, I am concerned that for a lot of us, drinking has become a ritualistic activity and less of a fun get together with friends.
The CORE Institute at SIUC has some startling figures when it comes to the prevalence of heavy drinking or binge drinking among college students. Negative consequences of binge drinking reported by students include being nauseated and vomiting to far more serious ones such as being sexually assaulted or being arrested for driving under the influence.
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As responsible individuals, we can do a few little things to ensure that we are not ‘that person’ whom everyone is looking at in disgust and laughing at our plight. Pacing your drinks, substituting water instead of an alcoholic beverage, and in general knowing your limits will ensure that you will have a day filled with fun instead of regrets that might haunt you for a long time.
It is not only the prerogative of the students. I believe that the university, local establishments that serve alcohol, and all other vested parties should recognize the perils of binge drinking and help students be safer through proactive involvement and communication initiatives. Let’s be more responsible and look out for our friends and fellow students while we are out drinking this weekend and make sure no one is in a situation where they could harm themselves or others.
Meredith Hansen
senior studying advertising
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