Office for Student Affairs > Faculty/Staff Resources > Alcohol Misuse

Faculty/Staff Resources

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Alcohol Misuse

Alcohol misuse among college students is one of the most challenging problems facing higher education. Most students at the University of Minnesota and at other colleges and universities around the country who choose to use alcohol do so responsibly. According to the 1996 CORE Alcohol and Drug Survey conducted at the University, 65 percent of undergraduates consumed three or fewer drinks in an average week and 32 percent of undergraduates did not drink at all in an average week. In another survey conducted in 1998, 64 percent of University students aged 18-24 did not binge drink.

Although most students at the University make healthy choices with regard to alcohol use, some do not. Consequences of alcohol misuse may include driving while intoxicated, becoming injured in an accident, getting into a fight or argument, being taken advantage of sexually, and participating in unplanned sexual activity that can lead to unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections.

Another consequence of alcohol misuse is poor grades. Studies indicate that, in general, the more a student drinks, the lower his or her grades. According to a 1992 report from CORE Institute, students with an A average consumed about 3 drinks per week, students with a B average consumed about 5 drinks per week, C students consumed about 7 drinks per week, and D and F students consumed about 11 drinks per week. Students who misuse alcohol report more instances of missing classes as a result of their drinking and performing poorly on a test or assignment due to their drinking than those who drink responsibly. In addition, it is believed that a person's ability to think critically can be impaired for up to 30 days following the consumption of alcohol.

Warning signs (in and out of the classroom) of an alcohol problem

Below are some common warning signs that a student may have a drinking problem or is at risk of developing one.
• Cuts classes/drops a class/comes to class late
• Frequently arrives late for work
• Makes excuses for poor performance or missing classes
• Frequently requests extensions/turns in work late or not at all
• Dramatic decline in academic performance
• Comes to class with a hangover or high
• Changes in personality; shifts in moods or emotions
• Brags about their alcohol or other drug use; conversations are frequently about using
• Cannot seem to have fun without drinking or using other drugs
• Loss of motivation or energy
• Experiences frequent health problems (illness, injury)
• Spends most of his or her money on drugs or alcohol
• Frequently passes out or suffers blackouts while drinking
• Changes in his or her appearance
• Frequent problems with law enforcement or University authorities (e.g., University Police Department, residence hall staff)

What to do if someone's chemical use concerns you

If you know a student who you believe may have an alcohol or drug problem, you can refer them to Boynton Health Service or University Counseling & Consulting Services, where they can receive an assessment of their alcohol use. You can also contact these offices if you have questions about the behavior of someone who you suspect might have a problem. On the reverse are some other steps that you should take if you believe you know a student who might have a problem with alcohol.

• Determine exactly what concerns you
Identifying the specific behavior that concerns you is important. Watch for specific actions that result from alcohol or other drug use that are risky, foolish, inappropriate, unhealthy, or unacceptable to you. Making assumptions about the cause of any behavior is not necessary or helpful.

• Determine whether you are concerned about one incident or a pattern of problem behavior
Sometimes it's easy to ignore an occasional incident if the person returns to more acceptable behavior. However, single incidents of unacceptable behavior can lead to serious consequences and can be a signal for you to talk to the person. A pattern of incidents is a clear sign that help is needed.

• Talk about specific behavior
It is your right and responsibility to talk about specific problem behaviors with a person you care about. By talking with someone openly, honestly, and respectfully, you can put a person at ease and break through the defensiveness and denial that can often occur with alcohol and other drug use.
While there is no foolproof way to share concern, the following ideas have proven to be helpful:

- Tell the student that you care about him/her and that you feel concerned about the ways you see him/her acting.
- Tell the person exactly what behavior concerns you. For example, "Yesterday you came to class and you were obviously intoxicated."

• Listen for their response
After you tell the student that you care, how you feel, and what you've seen, listen to what he/she says. Some people may say nothing; they may not have been prepared and will not be ready to talk with you. Some may become angry and tell you it's none of your business. Others may thank you and say they'll make changes in their behavior. Still others may share with you a problem that goes well beyond your ability to be helpful.

- Tell the student what you would like to see him/her do. For example, "If you want to drink, you should not do it before to come to work."
- Tell the student what you are willing and able to do to help. Your responses can include being a good listener, helping to arrange a meeting with a counselor, or telling the person that you will hold him/her accountable for any future problem behavior. For example, "I'm willing to talk with you whenever you want to or feel a need for a little support."
- Remember the best time and place to talk to someone about an important topic is when you feel comfortable, when you're likely not to be interrupted, and when you have time to talk things through. It is also important to talk when neither of you has been drinking or using other drugs.

What to do if the behavior continues?
If the behavior does not change or if you discover a serious problem, additional help may be necessary. Pointing a person to professional help is often the most caring action one can take. In addition, a variety of self-help groups, including AA and Al Anon, can provide help for many people.

For assistance with an issue that is not listed, please call Office for Student Affairs at 612-626-1242.