Introduction
In recent years, alcohol consumption among university students has been on the rise. This is partly due to the increased availability of alcohol and the growing social pressure to drink. Therefore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that alcohol is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States (Esser et al., 2020). It is estimated that more than half of college students drink alcohol regularly. For many students, college is when they are first introduced to alcohol and learn how to drink responsibly. However, there are also a significant number of students who struggle with alcohol abuse and addiction. Alcohol-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits cost billions of dollars yearly and lost productivity due to alcohol-related absenteeism costs even more (Htet et al., 2020). However, there are several reasons why college students drink. Some students drink to fit in or feel more comfortable in social situations. Others drink to cope with the stress of college life. Some students even drink excessively because they think it will make them more popular. Whatever the reason, drinking alcohol can have serious consequences, both long-term and short-term effects. For these reasons, Wilmington University must take measures to control alcohol consumption. There are several reasons why alcohol consumption should be controlled at Wilmington University.
One of the most important reasons to control alcohol consumption at Wilmington University is its impact on student health and safety. The CDC reports that alcohol consumption is a leading cause of death among college students. Each year, 1,825 college students between 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related injuries, including car accidents and falls (Dvorak et al., 2020). In addition, 700,000 students between 18 and 24 are injured while under the influence of alcohol (Dvorak et al., 2020). Alcohol consumption can also lead to other health problems, including liver damage, cancer, and heart disease. In addition, it can impair judgment and lead to risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex and driving while under the influence (Htet et al., 2020). All of these factors can have a negative impact on student’s academic performance and overall well-being. Therefore, there is a need to control alcohol consumption to minimize such risks.
Another reason to control alcohol consumption at Wilmington University is its impact on the university community as a whole. According to Norman et al. (2018), alcohol-related crime is a significant problem on college campuses. It often goes hand-in-hand with other crimes, such as theft, assault, and sexual assault. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to property damage, fights, and other disruptive behaviors. These problems can create a hostile and unsafe environment for students, faculty, and staff. In addition, alcohol consumption can negatively impact the university’s reputation (Dvorak et al., 2020). Universities are known for their party culture and often have difficulty attracting and retaining students and faculty. This can lead to a decline in enrollment and the quality of the university’s academic programs (Norman et al., 2018). In addition, alcohol consumption can make people more likely to engage in risky behaviors. For example, drunk people are more likely not to wear a seatbelt or not use a condom. This is because alcohol can impair judgment and make people more impulsive.
The other reason to control alcohol consumption at Wilmington University is the financial cost that it imposes on the university. Alcohol-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits are a significant financial burden on college campuses. In addition, repairing damage caused by alcohol-related crimes and accidents can be expensive (Norman et al., 2018). These costs are often passed on to students through higher tuition and fees. In addition to the direct cost of medical care, there are indirect costs associated with alcohol-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits. These costs include lost productivity, lost wages, and increased insurance costs. Furthermore, alcohol consumption can lead to a decline in productivity among students and faculty (Dvorak et al., 2020). Students who drink excessively often have lower grades and are more likely to drop out of school (Dvorak et al., 2020). Faculty members who drink excessively often have lower teaching evaluations and are more likely to be absent from work. These factors can lead to a decline in the quality of the university’s academic programs and overall financial health.
Another reason to control alcohol consumption at Wilmington University is the negative impact that it can have on the local community. College towns are often plagued by alcohol-related problems, such as noise complaints, public urination, and property damage. These problems can lead to a decline in tourism and a decline in the quality of life for residents (Jacobina & Ventura, 2019). In addition, they can strain the resources of local law enforcement and social service agencies. One way to reduce the negative impact of alcohol on the local community is to control consumption among college students. This can be done through education, prevention, and treatment programs (Jacobina & Ventura, 2019). For example, colleges can offer responsible drinking courses or host events promoting positive alternatives to drinking. In addition, colleges can provide resources for students struggling with alcohol abuse, such as counseling and support groups.
Finally, it is essential to control alcohol consumption at Wilmington University because of the negative impact that it can have on the future of the university. Universities are known for their party culture and often have difficulty attracting and retaining students and faculty (Hodges, 2018). This can lead to a decline in enrollment and a decline in the quality of the university’s academic programs. In addition, it can lead to a decline in the university’s financial health and ability to invest in its future. In addition, academic problems can occur when students miss classes or do not study because they are hungover or still drunk from the night before (Jacobina & Ventura, 2019). Party culture can also make it difficult for students to form study groups or get help from professors because they are too busy socializing (Hodges, 2018). All of these problems can damage a university’s reputation and make it less attractive to potential students and faculty. Therefore, the university should prioritize creating an environment that is focused on learning and safety and should not tolerate excessive alcohol consumption.
Conclusion
In conclusion, controlling alcohol consumption is crucial due to its adverse effect. There are several reasons why alcohol consumption should be controlled at Wilmington University. The most important reasons are its impact on student health and safety, the university community as a whole, and the university’s future. Alcohol consumption can also lead to other health problems, including liver damage, cancer, and heart disease. In addition, alcohol consumption can make people more likely to engage in risky behaviors. Furthermore, alcohol consumption can lead to a decline in productivity among students and faculty. Students who drink excessively often have lower grades and are likelier to drop out of school. Academic problems can occur when students miss classes or do not study because they are hungover or drunk from the night before. Therefore, due to the implication of alcohol consumption, many measures and policies need to be implemented to control alcohol consumption in universities.
Reference
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Hodges, K. M. (2018). College Student Participation in Risky Behaviors: Hazardous Drinking, Sleeping while Driving, and Low Sleep Quality.
Htet, H., Saw, Y. M., Saw, T. N., Htun, N. M. M., Lay Mon, K., Cho, S. M., … & Hamajima, N. (2020). Prevalence of alcohol consumption and its risk factors among university students: A cross-sectional study across six universities in Myanmar. PLoS One, 15(2), e0229329.
Jacobina, O. M. P., & Ventura, C. A. A. (2019). Perception of students of a public university on the risk and driving of an automotive vehicle under the effect of alcohol and marijuana. Texto & Contexto-Enfermagem, 28.
Norman, P., Cameron, D., Epton, T., Webb, T. L., Harris, P. R., Millings, A., & Sheeran, P. (2018). A randomized controlled trial of a brief online intervention to reduce alcohol consumption in new university students: Combining self‐affirmation, theory of planned behavior messages, and implementation intentions. British Journal of Health Psychology, 23(1), 108–127.
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