Superbad, House Party, Mean Girls, Dazed and Confused … what do all these movies have in common? They’re all considered classic coming-of-age stories, but they also feature (and in some cases, glorify) underage drinking and binge drinking. 

It’s no secret that alcohol is part of the American “college experience” for many, and a student’s first college party, drinking game, or hangover could even be considered a rite of passage in some circles. While it’s important to acknowledge that these things are happening on campus for some students, it’s also critical to educate students about the risks involved in using and abusing alcohol. 

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. The Office of Student Integrity (OSI) and the Wellness Empowerment Center (W.E. Center), both part of Student Engagement and Well-Being, are planning a series of events designed to educate students about risks and resources, as well as empower them to make informed decisions if they choose to drink.

“Statistically speaking, the majority of assaults that happen on college campuses in the U.S. involve alcohol, as well as many of the accidents and injuries — not to mention the legal trouble you could find yourself in,” said Ronald King, Associate Director of the W.E. Center. “Students may think they have everything under control, but when you’re drunk or under the influence, things can quickly get out of hand.”

According to the most recent data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 49 percent of full-time college students between the ages of 18 and 22 drank alcohol in the month prior to the survey, and 29 percent self-reported binge drinking in that same timeframe. About one in four college students report academic consequences from drinking, such as missing class, falling behind, or doing poorly on an exam.

Our campus is not immune. According to data gathered from Georgia Tech students in the National College Health Assessment administered in 2020, 55 percent reported that they had used alcohol in the two weeks leading up to the survey. Although most students indicated that they drank responsibly, 11 percent did report experiencing a blackout. 

“The majority of non-academic Student Code of Conduct violations we deal with are alcohol-related,” said Ronald Mazique, Associate Dean of Students and Director of OSI. “Our goal isn’t to punish students for drinking; rather, we take an educational approach. We focus on providing resources for students who have maybe made a bad decision and help get them back on track to being successful.”

OSI and the W.E. Center are partnering throughout the month of April to offer a series of events aimed at promoting honest discussion, teaching students safety promotion and low-risk alcohol consumption and letting them know what resources are available on campus. These events will include:

• Pick Your Pour – April 3, 12 - 2 p.m. Do you know how much alcohol is actually in your drink? Test your skills at our table on Tech Green and learn more about how much is too much. 
• Chat and Chew – April 10, 1 - 1:45 p.m. Alcohol on campus – everything you want to know. The Wellness Empowerment Center and the Office of Student Integrity create a safe space to get information and ask questions. Snacks are provided, but you can BYOF (bring your own food).  
• Recovery Resources at Georgia Tech – April 16, 11 - 11:45 a.m. Join Dr. Steedy Kontos as he shares about the path forward from substance abuse and the resources available to students.

“Of course, the safest choice is not to drink, but that can be an unrealistic expectation for some,” King said. “We just want students to know how to do it responsibly and how to access support if they need it.”

To learn more about alcohol use and its impact on your academic success, finances, relationships, and overall well-being, check out some of the resources available through the W.E. Center. Visit OSI’s website to read the full Alcohol and Other Drug Policy and to learn how the Good Samaritan/Medical Amnesty Provision can protect you if you call for help. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, reach out to the Center for Mental Health Care and Resources and consider its Collegiate Recovery Program. If you experience an emergency related to alcohol or otherwise, contact the Georgia Tech Police Department at 404.894.2500.

“Ultimately, we all want the same thing,” Mazique said. “For each of our students to have the safest and best experience possible while at Georgia Tech and for them to graduate with success and make a positive impact.” 

These educational initiatives contribute to Georgia Tech’s strategic commitment to cultivate well-being for all students.