ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of the types and prevalence of alcohol-related consequences for college students. While heavy drinking can increase the likelihood of experiencing the alcohol-related consequences outlined in the chapter, alcohol use is not the only predictor. Attitudes toward alcohol describe one's perceptions about beneficial or detrimental alcohol. The Monitoring the Future Studies have demonstrated links between trends in negative attitudes toward alcohol and decline in heavy-drinking prevalence. Expectancies for the anticipated effects of alcohol on behavior and mood influence how often and how much college students drink. Neuroimaging may be critical to understanding the biological risk for heavy drinking among college students. Students may also experience an array of physical consequences from using alcohol. Many of these, including vomiting and having a hangover, stem from the physiological effects of drinking. Many of the alcohol-related consequences can have both immediate and long-term effects. For example, sexual assault can have lasting emotional and psychological effects.
