The Connection Between Suicide and Binge Drinking Among College Students
College Students and Binge Drinking
The transition to college life is a monumental one filled with so many exciting firsts—first time living away from home, first day of classes, and first college party. It’s also a transition that can be filled with challenges, such as academic stress, social adjustment, and exposure to new experiences and social pressures.
Regardless of whether this transition brings thrills or angst, college is a time during which many students embark on the journey toward adulthood. They are free to try new things, and for many, this includes the consumption of alcohol. Unfortunately, this new freedom can often lead to alcohol misuse and binge drinking.
What is Binge Drinking?
Binge drinking is a dangerous pattern of drinking that results in an excessive consumption of alcohol. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimates that this typically occurs when a person’s blood alcohol content (BAC) reaches 0.08% or more. This usually corresponds to 4 or more drinks for women and 5 or more drinks for men within a 2-hour period.1
Information from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) shows that of the 134.7 million people who consume alcohol in the U.S., approximately 46% participated in binge drinking in the last month. And among these binge drinkers, adults aged 18 to 25 comprised the largest portion (i.e., 29%) of this group.2
How Common is Binge Drinking on College Campuses?
According to the aforementioned NSDUH survey, 45.3% of male and 48.5% of female full-time college students aged 18 to 22 drank alcohol within the last month, and 29.3% of the males and 28% of the females in this population engaged in binge drinking.3 Plus, according to a review of multiple binge-drinking studies, college students drink more—and more frequently—than their peers who don’t attend college.4
Many factors can influence the high rate of binge drinking among college students, including increased social pressures to drink, the presence of fraternities and sororities, stress related to classes and grades, unstructured time, dorm living, relationship issues, and the widespread availability of alcohol.
Risks of Binge Drinking
Regardless of the reasons behind binge drinking, the practice poses many serious risks and consequences. These include:5
- Injuries due to vehicle crashes, burns, falls, etc.
- Alcohol poisoning/overdose.
- Violence (e.g., sexual assault, intimate partner violence, homicide, suicide, etc.).
- Sexually transmitted diseases.
- Memory and learning difficulties.
- Chronic diseases (e.g., high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, liver disease).
- Cancers (e.g., breast, liver, colon, esophagus, etc.).
- Unintended pregnancy.
- Poor pregnancy outcomes (e.g., stillbirth and miscarriage).
- Babies with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
- Sudden infant death syndrome.
Additionally, partaking in binge drinking often also increases the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder, the clinical term for an alcohol addiction.6
BORGs: Blackout Rage Gallons
Among current, potentially troubling trends related to college students and drinking is the use of blackout rage gallons (aka BORGS). Often housed in plastic gallon containers, BORGs often comprise a mixture of alcohol, flavor enhancers, electrolytes, and water. Gaining visibility on TikTok and other social channels, this trend has fueled controversy as both a potentially dangerous binge-drinking device as well as a harm-reduction tool. Proponents suggest it allows BORG drinkers to limit the amount of alcohol they consume in an evening and to potentially prevent anyone from adding party drugs to their drinks without their knowledge. Still, BORGs have been linked to binge-drinking episodes with troubling outcomes at various colleges.
How are Alcohol and Suicide Connected?
Alcohol and suicide are tragically linked. Studies indicate that co-occurring mental health and alcohol use disorders significantly increases an individual’s vulnerability to suicide ideation, attempts, and deaths. And while all substances elevate the risk of suicidal behavior, alcohol remains among the most common substance identified in individuals who died by suicide.7
The connection seems to make sense, as people experiencing suicidal thoughts may turn to alcohol for comfort and to numb pain. Plus, for those who are depressed, drinking can interfere with depression treatment. Even for those who don’t have an alcohol use disorder, drinking can have a harmful effect on depressive symptoms.8
Because binge drinking is so prevalent among college students, the risk of suicide is a major concern. In fact, research indicates that suicide is among the leading cause of death for college students.9
Key Factors and Warning Signs of Suicide
Suicidal thoughts may develop in college-aged adults for several reasons. Many of the same factors that influence binge drinking also increase the risk of suicide. Factors for suicide in college students include mental health issues, relationship issues, loneliness, homesickness, culture shock, and academic and work-related stress.10
Warning signs of suicide include:11
- Withdrawal from family and friends.
- Giving away important items.
- Making a will.
- Researching ways to die.
- Exhibiting reckless behavior (e.g., driving extremely fast).
- Displaying extreme mood swings.
- Eating and/or sleeping more or less than usual.
- Using alcohol or other substances more than usual.
- Talking about wanting to die, personal guilt or shame, and/or being a burden to others.
- Expressing feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, or of being trapped and having no reason to live.
- Feeling extremely sad, anxious, agitated, and/or angry.
- Experiencing seemingly unbearable emotional or physical pain.
If you or someone you love is having suicidal thoughts, seek immediate assistance by calling or texting 988 or by chatting with someone at 988lifeline.org. It’s imperative to address any struggles with binge drinking and alcohol dependence by seeking treatment at an accredited rehab facility, many of which can treat co-occurring disorders such as alcohol use disorder and anxiety or depression issues at the same time.
Addiction Treatment for Young Adults
If you’re worried that your alcohol use—or that of someone you care about—has become problematic, help is available. American Addiction Centers (AAC) provides evidence-based therapies and high-quality treatment programs throughout the United States. Additionally, some AAC facilities offer a specialized young adults program, where group therapy happens among peers, who have similar unique challenges, needs, and experiences.
At Laguna Treatment Center in Southern California, the young adult treatment track is specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals aged 18-26, who struggle with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.
The Renewed Purpose addiction treatment program at Greenhouse Treatment Center, near Dallas, Texas, offers a specialized drug and alcohol treatment track for young men aged 18-27.
Call AAC at to speak to a knowledgeable and compassionate admissions navigator who will listen to your needs, answer your questions, explain your options, and help you begin your journey to recovery.
