Paraguay RPCV Toren Volkmann says College Drinking Poses Severe Consequences
College Drinking Poses Severe Consequences
Throughout his college career, Toren Volkmann partied his way around campus, pounding beers and slamming shots. He managed to graduate with a BA in psychology and was accepted into the Peace Corps. However, he never envisioned he would become the "I Told You So" poster boy for the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program, commonly known as D.A.R.E.
Like thousands of other college students, Toren was swept into the heavy drinking culture that permeates so many aspects of university life. Studies show that binge drinking is the most widespread health problem on college campuses in the United States.
"Few students think about the problematic effects of continuous heavy drinking," says Toren, coauthor of "Our Drink: Detoxing the Perfect Family" (Elton-Wolf). "Then suddenly, the party ends and they find themselves a feverish, shaky, paranoid and half-wit, struggling to think, sleep, relax or eat."
Written with his mother, Chris, "Our Drink" reveals how the family missed the signs of Toren's addiction and describes the agony of the ensuing discovery. The book is designed to educate youth and families about alcohol choices and the consequences of heavy drinking. Here, Chris and Toren share three things every student should think about before breaking out the beer bong:
1. Broken relationships: Personal problems often arise with heavy drinking and contribute to tearing apart relationships.
2. Brain damage: Chronic alcohol abuse affects abstract thinking, problem solving, attention and concentration.
3. Risky behavior: Binge drinkers are more likely to engage in unprotected sexual activity, resulting in pregnancy or contraction of an STD.
"Don't let drinking ruin your life," says Toren. "If you are struggling, ask for help. Asking for help is cool and sobriety is hip!"
To help families discuss the risks of alcohol abuse, get the free "Alcohol Abuse Assessment Tool" or purchase a copy of "Our Drink" at www.OurDrink.com.
