Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
Vol. 48 No. 2 February 2010
By Nancy R. Ahern, PhD, RN; Mary Lou Sole, PhD, RN, CCNS, FAAN, FCCM
ABSTRACT
College students seek peer acceptance and opportunities
for social interaction. For many, it may be the first time away from home, away
from the supervision and watchful eyes of parents and other family members.
Whether for fun, thrill, competition, or the need to socialize with others,
approximately two thirds of U.S. college students participate in the risky
binge drinking behavior called drinking games. Regardless of the game type, the
goal of this behavior is to become intoxicated in a short period of time.
Significant consequences and harm can result from this dangerous social
behavior. This article, the first of two parts, will describe the problem; Part
2 will discuss the implications for community and mental health nurses.
AUTHORS
Dr. Ahern is Assistant Professor, and Dr. Sole is
Professor, College of Nursing, University of Central Florida, Orlando,
Florida.
The authors disclose that they have no significant
financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or
indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Nancy R. Ahern, PhD, RN,
Assistant Professor, University of Central Florida, College of Nursing, 4000
Central Florida Boulevard, PO Box 162210, Orlando, FL 32816-2210; e-mail:
nahern@mail.ucf.edu.
Posted: January 22, 2010
doi:10.3928/02793695-20100108-03
