<p>Some people drink most nights, but that is not the norm at all. If I had to take a guess I'd say the average college student drinks an average of one and a half times a week. It's fun, and if you keep it under control not dangerous. Sure, I could have fun without drinking, but I personally enjoy it, so I do it. I don't try to get people who don't like to drink to drink, and I expect them to treat me the same way.</p>
<p>i think people are getting drinking and being drunk confused. i know a lot of people who drink but dont get completely wasted. there is a difference and these people know it. getting smashed and doing stupid stuff is one thing...having a beer or two at a party is a completely different thing.</p>
<p>^^^
Good point. I almost never get sloppy drunk, but I do drink most weekends (when school is in.) Moderation is key.</p>
<p>I really don't understand what the big deal is. If you drink responsibly (on occasion, not to excess, and DON'T DRIVE, etc. etc.) I don't really see why drinking should have to be justified any more than any other behavior. That said, drinking (responsibly) can be enjoyable. Alcohol itself is not only a social lubricant, but it's also generally served at (or as an excuse for holding) a type of social gathering - a frat party, a house party, a birthday party, at a club or while tailgating a sporting event. I have never felt the "need" to get drunk, and I would not describe myself as a partier. I also don't always drink when alcohol is available. But I have enjoyed many evenings where alcohol was "part of the scene". </p>
<p>I also think there is a big difference between the type of partying the goes on at various schools. The parties I've been to at Boston-area schools aren't anything like the partying the goes on at my in state schools (UF, UCF & FSU). Generally, state schools and rural campuses (i.e. there isn't much else to do) contribute to more of a party atmosphere. Moreover, there's been a lot more coverage of drinking on campuses since the Reagan's War on Drug's legacy, and I wouldn't be surprised if this greatly contributes to the notion that binge drinking on college campuses is a lot worse than it was before (in addition to the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 - why would the media cover drinking on campuses if much of it was legal?). Just a few thoughts on worriedmom's thoughts on drinking increasing on campuses. I'm not denying that it very well may be worse, but I think even statistics are unable to accurately gauge the situation.</p>
<p>Agreed. But people who drink socially aren't necessarily alcoholics.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Isn't life enough fun as it is without having to drink every weekend?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>No (10 Characters)</p>
<p>MightyNick, just because people go out, and even get drunk.. a lot of them are probably still getting better grades than you. You have no right to call them alcoholics or think you are better than them, and they have no right to think the same about you. Everyone makes their own decisions and as long as they are not driving there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.</p>
<p>Well... life's fun enough for me without drinking...o.O So how does my life not pwn now?</p>
<p>I don't suppose many alcoholics can pull of a 3.95.</p>
<p>No, but most people who drink aren't alcoholics.</p>
<p>I don't suppose many alcoholics can pull of a 3.95.</p>
<p>Ok, seriously, alcoholism is a disease, and not a term to be thrown around lightly. Many alcoholics are high functioning, respected members of their communities.</p>
<p>Every friday and saturday is a bit heavier than I like to get, and as I mentioned, I rarely drink a lot. I've only gotten sick from drinking once, and only needed help getting back to my room twice. It isn't the being drunk that I enjoy, it's having fun while I'm drinking.</p>
<p>"If life isn't enough fun in college without having to drink every weekend, then you are in for a rude awakening when you get into the "real world.""</p>
<p>I don't drink every weekend so this isn't applicable to me. Your life (aka: the "real world") and another's are not necessarily going to be the same.</p>
<p>"I realize there will always be pockets of kids who don't drink, but from everything I've read on here and from other sources, drinking is pretty much the norm every weekend (at least)."</p>
<p>Perhaps. I'll give this one for argument's sake. Again, this doesn't apply to me.</p>
<p>"Inform me, please. Yes, tell me why you feel the need to drink on a regular basis. I had lots of fun with my friends when I was 18-22 and most of them did not involve alcohol."</p>
<p>I, personally don't drink on a regular basis. I assume that someone who does would argue that he/she is an individual who is free to determine his/her own actions.</p>
<p>What's the fun while yo're drinking? Is it a feeling?</p>
<p>Much of it is a loosening of inhibitions. Also, alcohol acts as a mood amplifier. If you're having a good time alcohol can magnify that somewhat. Also, drinking games. I can't wait to get back on the quarters table.</p>
<p>"Is it a feeling?"</p>
<p>It's that wonderful feeling of savoring a glass of pinot noir with friends at a nice restaurant. </p>
<p>Or the wonderful feeling of urge incontinence at some lame party while waiting for the bathroom door to open.</p>
<p>Take your pick.</p>
<p>mmm, wha? I just woke up from drinking til 4 am. What's going on?</p>
<p>J/K! Well, not about the drinking til 4 am part. But, I'm not hungover, I'm not still drunk, and I'm fully awake and functioning. Not everyone who drinks turns into a raging alcoholic or even gets hungover the next day (I've only had like 2 hangovers ever). </p>
<p>Yes, I like to drink. No, it doesn't all taste bad. I drank green apple Smirnoff ice last night and they were delicious. Yes, we drinkers can have fun without drinking, but we have fun while drinking as well. There's not much of a difference in the fun to be had. Yesterday, I went to eat with some friends, went bowling, and swing dancing, and THEN went and got booze and drank at my house while listening to music. All of those things were fun. </p>
<p>Not all of us who drink are slackers. I had a 4.0 this summer. (overall 3.27) I still went out and had fun and drank every now and then, although not quite as often as I would've liked, since many people are out of town, but still, enough to have a good time. There's a facebook group I like to quote when talking about things like this, it's called "I'm too smart for a 2.0 and too much fun for a 4.0". Generally, people who go to college have to be somewhat smart (at least bookwise, maybe not common sensewise). If you put forth the effort you can do alright. I'd rather have some fun and get B's (I do still get A's in some things too), than stay stuck in my room studying all the damn time and having no fun at all to get straight A's. I still get my sh-t done, and have fun on the weekends (wednesdays very very occasionally if nothing is going on). </p>
<p>I am not dumb or lazy. I have been in college since I was 16. But drinking has made me some friends that I adore (including some of the ones I hung out with last night) and I don't think there's anything to justify about that.</p>
<p>jeez. you guys dont know how to discuss/argue. this might be better if we discuss objectively, not respond with 'oh it doesn't apply to me, i am awesome, everyone else is a jerk/is retarded, end of story!' stop defending yourselves and stop attacking!</p>
<p>there are deeper questions to discuss. questions about culture and how it changes with time. what changed in children's lives to now require heavy use of a 'social lubricant' just to have fun with friends?</p>
<p>Last time I checked, smirnoff malt beverage isn't equivalent to 4 shots of Stoli.</p>
<p>Unless you drank alot of it.</p>
<p>1) 18-21 year olds are not children.
2) Nothing's changed except the drinking age. 18-21 year olds have drank and taken drugs for a very long time.</p>