Top Ten Myths about Drinking Alcohol in College

College is that great new experience that allows you to be free for the first time in your life. That can mean that you are able to do things by yourself, or it can mean parties with lots of alcohol. But most students don’t realize the dangers alcohol can bring. Here are the top ten myths that college students have about drinking alcohol in college.

I’m More Fun When I’m Drunk

Too many people believe they are more fun when they are drunk, even though no one but other people who are drunk think you are fun. When you have slurred speech, are stumbling all over the place and are keeping your roommate up it is more annoying than anything. You are more likely to be your own entertainment than someone else's. Photo: Getty Images

Everyone Drinks Heavily at Parties

At most parties there are only a few people who are getting completely wasted, and when you are drunk yourself you do not see that most people are only having a few drinks. Many people use alcohol to “loosen up” in social situations, but that does not mean they are completely gone.

Alcohol and Drugs

Mixing drugs and alcohol, like marijuana and beer, will cause you to feel the effects of both the drugs and the alcohol in your system at the same time. So thinking that doing drugs after drinking will help get you back to normal is being in denial of the fact that doing both means you are high and drunk. Photo: Getty Images

It’s My Business

Many people believe that when they drink it won’t affect anyone but himself or herself. If you lose your keys or your ID then you have to wake up your roommate or another friend to help you. Studies have shown that one person’s drinking habits can affect up to five other people. So, no, it’s not really just your business. Photo: Getty Images

School is Boring

At most schools there are these things called clubs and organizations that help dispel the monotonous day-to-day life of the typical college student. Drinking is not your only option. Intramural sports, service projects and even studying can take up plenty of time. Close to 160,000 first-time college students will drop out of school next year for alcohol or drug-related problems. Taking in some extracurricular activities, not drinking, will help decrease your risk of dropping out of school.

College is Supposed to be Fun

While college is meant to be a fun time to learn and grow, it does not mean that what you do in college will not affect your future. Drinking can lead to skipped classes, missed homework assignments and bad grades. Taking your drinking habits too far can also lead to alcoholism after graduation too. Photo: Getty Images

I Will Not Become an Alcoholic

Most students do not look forward to going to college just to get drunk. It is true that some do, but they usually do not get very far. Keeping yourself involved and away from the things that will entice you to drink heavily will make you much happier and more focused on what is important.

I Only Drink Socially

Being a social drinker does not mean you drink with other people. They may drink regularly but do not get drunk. Social drinkers also do not show the clinical signs of addiction like out-of-control behavior and the inability to control cravings. Do not trick yourself into believing that getting drunk with a bunch of other people makes you a social drinker. It will just hurt you faster.

Everyone Does It

Well, actually, no. Not everyone drinks alcohol in college. Some people prefer not to drink at all and others do not want to risk losing a scholarship or grant because they were drinking. It is not worth it to lose your college career because you thought that if you didn’t do it you would be the only one who didn’t drink.

It Doesn’t Cost That Much

Actually drinking can cost the average college student up to $900 a year. And if you get caught it will cost you even more if you have to pay fines or fees, depending on if you live in the dorms and if you are underage. That amount of money could really hurt a college student’s pocketbook.