Editor's note: A previous version of this story incorrectly reported JAMA Pediatrics did the study. The story has since been updated.
College students are less likely to be informed of the dangers of substance and alcohol abuse than their non-college peers, according to a recent study.
The study, conducted by Ralph Hingson of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, raised the question of if college students were warned enough about dangers of drugs and alcohol by doctors and the K-12 school system.
The study followed more than 2,000 U.S. students enrolled in public, private and religious high schools from tenth grade to one year past high school graduation.
After graduation, 42 percent of the participants were enrolled in a four-year college, 25 percent were enrolled in community college, and 33 percent were not enrolled in any college. Less than half of those in college said they had been advised about the risks of engaging in smoking, drinking and drug use, compared to 53 to 57 percent of those not in college, according to the study.
“The dangers of drug and especially alcohol abuse is not discussed in the college medical environment because it is part of the college experience,” said Kendra Zenisek, coordinator of physical health and wellness. “Where as in a working environment, alcohol and substance abuse is more of an issue and can have quicker problematic outcomes.”
Zenisek said in a college setting, there is more freedom for students to do as they please. It's tougher to police college students because of socialization, and the fact that half the campus population is 21 or older, she said.
But the numbers still remain alarming, said kinesiology professor Lawrence Judge.
“Think about the massive investments that students are making by getting college degrees," Judge said. "If students aren’t attending class or are blowing off assignments because they’re inventing in destructive behaviors, they aren’t getting their moneys' worth.”
Thirty-one percent of college students met criteria for a diagnosis of alcohol abuse and about 25 percent reported academic consequences from drinking, including missing class, falling behind, doing poorly on exams or papers and receiving lower grades overall, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Judge and Zenisek both agreed education and awareness of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse at an early age is essential to prevent future destructive decisions.
“I see destructive behaviors starting with younger and younger people,” Judge said. “I feel like there are things that kids see growing up with negative role models or media promoting drinking and partying as something that is cool. It is important for not only the schools, but the parents to get involved and educate their kids about the dangers.”
While education is essential, Zenisek said it's important for college students to be able to overcome any pressure they may feel to partake in destructive behaviors on a college campus, as well as knowing their limits.
“Its important to understand what happens when you engage,” Zenisek said. “You can try to test your limits, but there is a fine line between being safe and sorry.”
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