The quantity and frequency of drinking among undergraduates at a southern university.

This study examines patterns of alcohol use among undergraduates at a moderate-size university in the deep South. The results reveal that 84% of the students consumed alcohol and that Infrequent, Light, and Moderate drinking was the rule. However, 14% of the students were Heavy Drinkers, who were primarily White males, from each academic level, and fraternity members. The drinking circumstances and the complications which resulted from use varied between the drinking types. Heavy drinkers began to drink at the elementary and middle school age levels, and were introduced to alcohol outside the home. Moreover, the greater the quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption, the greater the likelihood of experiencing alcohol-related problems regardless of an individual's sex, race, or year in college.