Binge drinking at colleges throughout the United States is becoming an increasingly more serious problem. While some schools have yet to tackle this growing issue, one – the University of Wisconsin-Stout – implemented a series of new regulations and restrictions in 2010 to reduce the level of alcohol consumption on campus. The outcome, according to a publication from the institution, has been very promising so far.
In a statement, Chancellor Charles Sorenson said that tougher rules and punishments for violators of the binge drinking policies are having a significant impact. He noted that, at the same time, the percentage of students who engage in these behaviors is dropping steadily as a result.
"I am pleased that our strong and decisive steps to address alcohol abuse on campus apparently are starting to work," Sorensen remarked. "I know that we haven't won the war over risky alcohol use, but we have taken important first steps in that direction."
The specific numbers, The Dunn County News reported, are encouraging. For example, the average number of alcoholic drinks consumed during a week have fallen from 10.7 in 2007 to 8.9 in 2013. Similarly, the number of students who choose not to consume rose to 29.1 percent from 17 percent during the same period.
These developments are a good sign for higher education advocates, but more work has to be done, especially for individuals who may be suffering from alcohol dependency. If someone you love is dealing with this serious addiction, you need to act before their life begins to spin out of control. Intervention Services can help you schedule interventions for alcoholics that help put them on course to a cleaner, healthier life.