Texas Tech is ranked #8 on Niche’s 2017 Top Party Schools in Texas, and the culprit at the center of these parties is the highly sought-after party enhancer: alcohol.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, many students come to college with established drinking habits. But is their desire for an alcoholic beverage heightened with the trials of university? Here are the top seven reasons college students might turn to alcohol.
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1. It makes it easier to socialize: Drinking alcohol affects the brain, which can make people feel more confident.
At college parties and bars, alcohol can be what gives some students the confidence to talk to that cute guy or lady, make new friends or even open up about a certain subject they would feel uncomfortable sharing their thoughts on if they were sober.
2. Depression: Some students live many hours away from their hometowns and have little to no success making new friends. Many students struggle with the transition to college and develop anxiety. With this pressure, they have a desire to find a release, or at least something to numb them from the pain.
According to Mental Health America, people battling depression experience other health or mental problems. This can result in them turning to alcohol. On the flip side, the abuse of alcohol can cause depression to develop.
3. Peer pressure: It does not have to be direct pressure and coercion to drink, but being around friends drinking makes people more likely to participate.
Emily Ferguson, a sophomore pre-nursing major, was 18 and in college when she first tasted alcohol. She said being at a university definitely influenced her to imbibe.
“I think it was because my friends did it, and it was like we were all hanging out, so it was kind of fitting in, more so, with the crowd,” she said.
Maddy McCarty/The Hub@TTU
4. Stress: Often times, the pressures of homework, studying, balancing social and work life drives students to drink.
The New York Times published an article on how today’s students may be emotionally unprepared to face the real life experiences college has to offer.
According to the American Psychological Association, college students are facing more stress today than their parents did.
5. Widely available: No one is hammering students every day about what they drink or when they drink now that they are out of their parents’ homes. Sergio Aldana, a senior advertising major, said he was 16 when he had his first taste of alcohol, wine, to be specific.
“Because it was monitored back then, I definitely drank less than I do now,” he said.
6. More acceptable at a university: “I feel it’s more acceptable,” Coby Hitipeuw, a junior journalism major, said. “It’s just part of the culture.”
There is a sense of belonging social drinkers feel when there are others like them.
7. Simply enjoy the taste: In an article written by Naria Alexandria Willis, “Misconceptions About College Students Who Drink,” she mentions that some students do not drink just to get drunk or feel a buzz.
“Believe it or not, drinkers actually like the taste of alcohol– it isn’t just a means to an end.”
About Kayla Black
