College is often a time of new found freedom and experimentation for young people. The use of alcohol, for many, is a large part of their college experience. If a person is going to develop a drinking problem, it is likely to show up during this time.

One of the great misconceptions about problem drinkers and alcoholics is they must be daily drinkers. Actually, many are what is known as binge drinkers.

Binge drinking involves brief periods (usually one to seven days) of heavy drinking. Because of the social atmosphere among college students, this is a pattern seen frequently at many universities.

Of course, not every weekend or party drinker has a problem. The key is to learn to recognize the characteristics of alcoholism and match them against your own behavior.

Experts in the field of alcoholism agree that the following checklist is a good step to identifying a problem.

Do you frequently (once or twice a day) find that your conversation centers on drinking or drinking experiences?

Do you drink to deal with tension or physical stress?

Are most of your friends and/or acquaintances people you drink with?

Do you miss school or work because of drinking (including hangovers)?

Have you had the shakes from going without alcohol?

Do you drink at inappropriate times, upon waking, before eating, or at school?

Have you ever been arrested for driving under the influence?

Do you sometimes have the inability to remember things that happened when you were drinking?

Have family or friends expressed concern over your drinking?

Have you tried to quit and found it too difficult?

Do you double up or gulp your first few drinks?

Do you often drink before going out?

Do you hide alcohol?

Do you drink alone?

Has your drinking led to conflicts with family, friends or lovers?

Do you drink to escape worries?

Do you become unreasonably angry or aggressive (i.e., fighting, vandalizing, forcing sex)?

Have you developed an increased tolerance (i.e., the need to drink more to produce the same effect)?

Do you joke about your drinking to avoid serious discussion of it?

Do you engage in unsafe sex when you drink?

Are you experiencing unexplained anxiety, trouble sleeping, lethargy, depression or feelings of isolation?

If you answered “yes” to three or more of these questions, you may have a problem. If you answered “yes” to five or more you should consider discussing your drinking with a professional.

Ultimately, only you can decide if drinking is becoming a problem for you. There is help available for those who need it. If you have further questions, contact San Diego State University’s Counseling and Psychological Services or Alcoholics Anonymous central service office.