Researchers suggest that throughout college and as each semester, there is a learning curve that takes place. Students start to understand the consequences of drinking (blackouts, headaches, etc.)

However, 1/3 of surveyed students reported experiencing "hangover headaches" for half or more of their college career. Researchers suggest that this may be signs of prolonged use and alcohol use disorder.

Learning Curve vs. Prolonged Use

In an experimental study by Martinez et al., researchers found that consequences of heavy drinking were associated with more frequent heavy drinking episodes. Particularly, there was a consistent relationship between consequences of regretted sexual experiences and blackouts with heavy drinking behavior. Researchers believe the reason behind this relationship is due to "protective behavioral strategy-related and cognitive interventions."

Creighton University

Heavy drinking among college students is associated with an increased risk of physical, mental, social, and legal consequences.

Heavy drinking is binge drinking once a month or more over the span of a year.

Consequences of Alcohol Use

Martinez, J. A., Sher, K. J., & Wood, P. K. (2014). Drinking consequences and subsequent drinking in college students over 4 years. Psychology of addictive behaviors : journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors, 28(4), 1240–1245. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0038352

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