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The Long-Term Effects of Binge Drinking on University Students

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The Long-Term Effects of Binge Drinking on University Students

Sociology

Abstract
Binge drinking on university campuses poses a concern for serious health issues and negative social implications. Education and awareness, about the non-gender specific short and long term effects associated with binge drinking, provides a mechanism for students to make informed decisions about the alcohol consumption levels they will indulge in. This report illustrates the risks associated with binge drinking and offers an info graphic for observation, and consideration by students that challenges them to stop and think before they engage in risky drinking behaviours. The information for this report is drawn from the research findings of studies carried out by a variety of academics and professionals. The objective is to alert or reiterate, to the entire university student population, the risks associated with binge drinking, and the hope is that students will be oriented toward making choices related to their optimal health and wellbeing and avoid binge drinking.

For many students, relaxing after a difficult week of study and research is complemented by drugs and alcohol, and sometimes way too much of either or both. Evidence of imbibing plentifully can be witnessed on campus after wild nights, reminders of excess that lead binge-drinkers to unhealthy mornings and possibly to poor exam or paper results. The “What’s Your Cap?” initiative has presented a fun stress relief program and showed that other options to heavy drinking are available for those looking to let loose and shake off some of the worry. The severity of binge drinking is absolutely real, hangovers are just the tip of the iceberg as far as problems go; the short-term effects, at worst, will be physical and non-permanent. Long-term effects can lead one to depression, poor

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