Alcohol Consumption and Abuse among College Students: Alarming Rates among the Best and the Brightest

Objective: This study examined alcohol consumption at two college campuses, a "dry" urban campus and a "wet" rural campus. We examined alcohol consumption as a function of students' membership in: Greek Organizations, NCAA Varsity Athletic teams, or as being Unaffiliated in these groups. Participants: Two hundred eighty eight college students at two different universities in the U.S were surveyed from February to April of 2013. Methods: Students were recruited through the head coaches of sports teams, the presidents of Greek organizations, and through the psychology departments, and emailed a Survey Monkey link. Results: Eighty five students reported alcohol dependence (severe alcohol abuse disorder in DSM 5), 43 reported alcohol abuse (moderate alcohol abuse in DSM 5), and 68 reported problematic drinking (mild alcohol abuse in DSM 5). Conclusions: "Dry" policies do not diminish problematic alcohol consumption and abuse, but are associated with substantial decreases in the onset of alcohol dependence.