Alcohol Use & Abuse

Drinking affects college students, their families, and college communities. It is estimated that each year:

  • Death About 1,825 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including motor-vehicle crashes
  • Assault About 696,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking
  • Sexual Assault About 97,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 report experiencing alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape

How Much is a Drink?

In the United States, a standard alcoholic drink contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is found in:

  • 12oz of beer with 5% alcohol content
  • 5oz of wine with 12% alcohol content
  • 1.5oz of distilled spirits with 40% alcohol content

Excessive alcohol use (also called binge drinking) is the act of consuming 5 or more drinks on a single occasion for a male and 4 or more drinks on a single occasion for a female.

It is never safe to drive after drinking alcohol.

Source: CDC's About Standard Drink Sizes

How do I Know if my Drinking is a Problem?

  • If your drinking interferes with any area of your life such as; relationships, friendships, social activities, school
  • If you cannot stop once you start
  • Your thoughts are constantly on your next drink

You may Need to Reach Out

On our campus, you may contact the Office of Student Engagement & Support at wellness@volstate.edu or (615) 230-3442. We have resources available to help you get the help you need.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use or abuse, please seek help. If you are unsure of where to turn, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Office of Student Engagement & Support at wellness@volstate.edu, (615) 230-3442, or visit us in the Wood Campus Center 217 to talk. We have resources available to help you.

Alcoholism Resources: Support Groups and Organizations

Vol State Policy

View Vol State's Drug-Free Campus/Workplace Policy