Connection of Alcohol Use and Education Results: Enhancing One's Collegiate Success
Alcohol consumption is a common aspect of college life, but it can have detrimental effects on academic performance. According to numerous studies, alcohol impairs judgment, leads to a loss of inhibition, and creates tension with friends [1][3][5]. Furthermore, alcohol consumption is linked to missed classes, missed assignment deadlines, poor grades, and increased dropout rates [1][3].
Heavy drinking is also associated with physical and mental health issues that compound academic difficulties [1][3]. Alcohol is a depressant drug that affects the brain and slows down cognitive functioning, potentially causing memory loss [5]. Moderation in alcohol consumption is important, as excessive consumption can have detrimental effects.
Students often drink to cope with stress, fit in socially, or experience college life, but this leads to detrimental academic and health consequences. To reduce alcohol intake, students can employ several strategies.
Firstly, engaging in structured extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, music, or volunteering provides positive outlets and supportive social networks that reduce alcohol use [2]. Secondly, developing effective stress-coping strategies and psychological resilience is crucial. Emotion- and avoidance-oriented coping styles correlate with higher alcohol use, while task-oriented coping correlates with lower consumption [4].
Avoiding binge drinking environments like certain dorms or fraternity/sorority houses, and seeking early intervention or counseling when signs of alcohol abuse appear, are also important steps [1][3]. Participating in school-based interventions, which can reach large numbers of students and focus on prevention and education about alcohol risks, can also be beneficial [2].
While alcohol can help students feel more comfortable during the learning process by distracting them from sounds and distractions around them, it is essential to prioritise safety measures to facilitate learning at an optimal level. Using alcohol as a tool for better learning should be approached with caution.
Other factors such as stress, sleep deprivation, age, genes, and drug use can also affect learning and memory. To maintain focus, it is advisable to drink enough water before studying, as it can make one feel less tired and more alert [6]. Lack of sleep can make it hard to concentrate and can drain energy levels [7]. Caffeine, a stimulant, can keep one up at night and should be used sparingly [8].
It is important to note that alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to certain developmental deficits in the child's brain later in life due to damage from alcohol exposure during gestation [9]. Alcohol consumption can also have negative effects on mental health, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts [10].
In conclusion, reducing alcohol intake through healthier social engagements, stress management, and structured activities can help students improve their academic focus and performance while avoiding the negative impacts of alcohol abuse [1][2][4][5]. By making conscious choices and seeking support, students can navigate college life successfully.
References:
[1] National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2018). Alcohol's Effects on the Brain. Retrieved from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body
[2] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). College Drinking. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/college-drinking
[3] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018). Results from the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-DetTabs-2017/NSDUH-DetTabs-2017/NSDUH-DetTabs-2017.pdf
[4] Kasschau, K. J., & Fromme, E. (2012). The Role of Coping in Alcohol Use Among College Students. Journal of American College Health, 60(5), 350-357.
[5] National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2018). Alcohol's Effects on Learning, Memory, and Academic Performance. Retrieved from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body-short-term-effects
[6] National Sleep Foundation. (2015). Water and Sleep. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/water-and-sleep
[7] National Sleep Foundation. (2015). Sleep Deprivation & Deficiency. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/what-sleep-deprivation
[8] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Caffeine. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/caffeine
[9] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). FASDs: What Every Parent Should Know. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/facts.html
[10] National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2018). Alcohol's Effects on Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body-mental-health
Engaging in extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, music, or volunteering can help reduce alcohol use and provide positive outlets [2]. Developing effective stress-coping strategies and psychological resilience is crucial for minimizing alcohol consumption [4]. School-based interventions that focus on prevention and education about alcohol risks can be helpful in reducing unhealthy drinking habits [2]. Mental health, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, can be negatively impacted by alcohol consumption [10].
