Alcohol

Alcohol is a part of life at Williams. According to a random survey conducted by the CONNECTIONS program during the 1990-1991 school year, 90% of Williams students had used alcohol at least once during the past year. The largest percentage of students reported drinking once per week. This figure corresponds to national survey results which report 85 to 95 percent of college students consume alcohol routinely. Most studies propose that 25 percent of college students have drinking problems.

In general, people do things when under the influence that they would not do normally. On college campuses a high percentage of injuries, property damage, unwanted pregnancies, and health problems are related to high-risk decisions about the use of alcohol and other drugs. Problem chemical use in college also negatively affects people's relationships and academic performance.

Whether or not to use alcohol is an individual's decision. Talking to friends and listening to a variety of opinions is good, but in the end an individual must make her or his own choices about alcohol. Equally important is respecting another person's decision, whether for or against use. Not only is the individuality of the decision vital, but also the consideration of the intensely personal emotions involved, such as an alcoholic parent or loss of a friend in a drunk driving accident. The choice is very personal, as is the decision to talk about it. Neither the user nor the abstainer should feel pressure or guilt about this decision.

Informed decision making is key.

• Issues of Alcohol Use
• Types of drinking behavior. What kind of drinker are you?
• Alcohol: How much is too much? Find out what factors affect the concentration of alcohol in your blood.
• What to do when a friend has had too much to drink.
• Coping with alcoholism.