To The Bottle

Published in Nov 14 issue of The Saint
As the cold weather moves in to stay, college students across America are experiencing the same ailments. Pounding headaches, bloodshot eyes, nausea, mood swings, and even some unexpected weight gain. Has some terrible flu swept the campuses? Nope; the above symptoms are simply a result of what has become known as typical college behavior - binge drinking.
Many students are surprised to learn that binge drinking consists of five drinks over two hours for men and four drinks over two hours for women. Heavy binge drinking involves at least that level of consumption three or more times in a two week period. This is a shocking realization to those who consider that to be a normal, or even small amount of alcohol to consume.
For the average person, a few drinks in a short amount of time is enough to raise one’s blood alcohol content well over the legal limit of 0.08% .
As the number of alcohol related incidents continues to rise, Aquinas is no exception. While seen by some as “not as bad as other colleges” Aquinas is cited as a typical drinking school by others.
“I don’t think we’re any different from any other school.” stated Kim Texley-Quigg, director of the Aquinas Health Center. “Aquinas is fairly normal, and we do deal with alcohol misuse.”
When students arrive at college, Aquinas included, they feel that there is a social expectation of them to drink.
“Students feel like they are supposed to experiment with alcohol at college.” Said anonymous Aquinas student. “I know people here who never drank before and now drink at least three times a week.”
In the last three years, Campus Safety Office (CSO) has dealt with 163 liquor violations. CSO strives to enforce both law and college policy as well as looking out for students’ safety.
“Any indications of alcohol poisoning is immediately referred for medical transfer.” Explained Tony Nolan, director of CSO. “In the last 2 years, such response may have saved the life of at least 3 students.”
It is recognized, however, that the majority of student drinking does not lead to disciplinary action. Whether it is a sophomore who binge drinks four times a week, or a freshman who sneaks shots into her morning orange juice, Aquinas does not step in until they are made aware that the alcohol misuse is negatively affecting that student or others on campus.
“The kids that get in major trouble are the ones we're concerned with.” said Quigg. “It’s causing them to fail, either academically, or by prompting fights or sexual misconduct.”
At that point, the student is referred to a counselor and provided with other resources to help them get back on track. Quigg says that she sees it as a learning experience and that Aquinas provides a very nurturing environment to help the students get beyond the routine of alcohol abuse.
“I think it‘s really helpful that Aquinas offers a lot of alcohol free activities.” stated Carolyn Lovelace, East Area Apartment Manager. The prevailing hope seems to be, that when surrounded by supportive friends and healthy options, a student will chose to avoid alcohol abuse. Otherwise, they become one of the 1.8 million students diagnosed as alcohol dependent at colleges every year.