Binge Drinking Is Not a Simple Notion to Understand For Students

To date, the number of drinks one must consume in one sitting for it to be regarded as binge drinking incident have not been pinned down. Experts cannot agree on the volume of drinking and the time period for binge drinking episodes. Recently a survey of college students was published that stated that the majority of co-eds believe that binge drinking constitutes drinking 5 or more standard drinks for men, and 4or more for women, in one hour. However this definition is indistinct and there are variables that are not taken into account in this definition. Drunk driving can be defined by the results of a test of bodily fluids, or motor skills, however binge drinking avoids easy definitions.

The Dilemma in Passing Tough Binge Drinking Laws

If a college student attached a funnel to a keg of beer and attempted to consume its contents, would this be considered as binge drinking? Most people would think so. However, it does not fit the definition of binge drinking according to college students surveyed. Think about the unpredictable results of the above action. It could lead to anything from death via alcohol poisoning to a student waking up with a hangover the next morning. This example reveals how hard it is to pass a law against such actions with offers such mixed results after completion.

No Legislative Solution Possible to Curb Binge Drinking

Like students most lawmakers see the dilemma of this solution and realize how unfeasible it is to find a person guilty of binge drinking without an agreed upon definition of the problem. In addition, many students see binge drinking as a problem that only affects the drinker. If they get behind the wheel of a car, there are already laws that cover drunk driving; also there are laws against public drunkenness and underage drinking. Therefore, this problem seems to defy legislative solutions.

A Drinking Deterrence Approach– The Only Way to Stop Binge Drinking

Some experts suggest that in order to stop binge drinking, laws targeting drinking specifically will have better results. Considering this, many students have proposed that campuses begin efficient anti-alcohol consumption programs to curb binge drinking.

Community Effort is Required to Curb Binge Drinking

It appears that the solitary solution to stop binge drinking will be a change in societies’ view on consumption of alcohol in general. Limiting or ending this kind of conduct requires community effort as this is something that students cannot manage by themselves.

Under Missouri law, individuals purchasing alcohol must present an identification to prove that they are above the legal age limit. This however has been totally ignored and has resulted in binge drinking becoming a widespread phenomenon across the state on Missouri. As a result, the legislators of Missouri DWI laws have ensured that the laws they enact have teeth that can make a serious dent into the drinking appetite of binge drinkers.

Missouri Binge Laws Target Parents

In its fight against binge drinking, lawmakers are taking a new approach where they are now tackling the parents of teenagers who are caught up in the act of binge drinking. Studies have shown that children of parents who are heavy consumers of alcohol and lenient about with who and where their kids associate are far more susceptible to becoming binge drinkers. As a result, these parents will now be charged under federal laws.

Missouri crack down on Alcohol Advertisement

While not trying to be a party pooper, the government of Missouri has been taking a serious look into how promoters are allowed to advertise certain events that involves the heavy consumption of alcohol. This affects advertisements that attract both minors and adults alike, as a large majority of DWI related accidents occur while individuals are returning from many of these events. So ads such as all you can drink, all inclusive parties or bottomless jugs will be curtailed under this new law. While they will not stop anyone from coming to these events, promoters must advise patrons to drink responsibly.

Missouri Zero Tolerance Rule

Missouri’s zero tolerance rule stabs right at the heart of the underage drinkers who decide to drive a motor vehicle after their drinking episode. Missouri minors are allowed to drive with only 0.02% blood alcohol content, which is in effect no alcohol at all. If a Minnesota minor is caught driving while intoxicated, their driver’s license is automatically suspended for at least ninety days and one year if they are repeat offenders. In addition, for reinstatement of their driver’s license, they must produce evidence of substance abuse counseling and pay a fine of $45.

Drunk and Disorderly Conduct Law

In order to curtail public opinion and prevent sendingthe wrong message to observing teens, it is prohibited within the state of Missouri to be seen in public drunk and behaving in a disorderly manner. Coupled with this law is the prohibition of the consumption of alcohol in public from a concealed container. Therefore, drinkers cannot consume alcohol openly in parks, cars or street corners.

Time restriction on Opening Hours

Bars and pubs within Missouri are categorized into various groups for licensing. The hour up to which you open and the type of liquor you sell will determine which category you fall. This control process is used for easier monitoring of the various watering holes within the state.

Passing Tough Binge Drinking Laws in the United States Can Be Tricky

But how does a college student attaching a hose to a keg and attempting to suck it dry fit into the above definition? I think we can all agree that this should be considered binge drinking, yes? However, consider the variables in the results of such actions and you can see the dilemma and this can probably explain why there is currently no binge drinking laws per se in any of the 50 states. Most legislators being lawyers can see that it would be nearly impossible to convict anyone of this crime in a court of law and with the affect of such drinking only causing harm to the DWI offenders it would be tough constitutionally for any such law to stand. It would be like passing laws to limit cholesterol consumption to curb heart disease or binge smoking.

Binge Drinking Problem Can Not Be Cured By Laws

It seems that targeting the problem of binge drink cannot be solved by magic bullet laws that specifically address the issue. The only states that have shown marginal success are ones the pass multiple legislations that focus on the purchase of large quantities of alcohol.

Laws Targeting the Supply Side of Binge Drinking Most Affective

A report from the government agency the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) and an Ivy league schools public health organization says that states with laws that target peripheral environmental issues like low priced alcohol, special promotions, and the number of drinking establishments and alcohol retail outlets have had some success in lowering risky drinking in college students. However none of the laws specifically prohibit binge drinking or even mention binge drink because of the obvious issues stated above.

Societal Changes Must Be In Place for Change in the Status of Binge Drinking

It seems the only way to limit this sort of behavior will take social change on a societal level and then after the attitude of society changes in regard to drinking in general then this problem can be reduced.

An Anti-Drinking Prevention Strategy Will Reduce Binge Drinking

So laws that target drinking in general will have more of an effect on binge drinking than laws that are aimed at binge drinking specifically which are non-existent in America today. With this in mind the CDC recommends that states start effective anti-drinking prevention strategies that will have an affect for binge drinking, like increasing state alcohol taxes, enforcing minimum legal drinking-age laws, and enforcing laws prohibiting alcohol sales to already intoxicated persons.