Average weekly alcohol consumption: drinking percentiles for American college students

Data obtained from 44,433 students who reported the average number of drinks they consumed per week in response to the Core Alcohol and Drug Survey at 105 college campuses between October 1994 and June 1996 are discussed. The majority of the students indicated that, on an average weekly basis, they consumed little or no alcohol. Forty-eight percent of the students at 2-year schools and 38% of the students at 4-year schools reported consuming no alcoholic drinks per week. When responses from these students were combined with those of students who consumed only one drink per week, the total included 50% of the students at 2-year and 51% of students at 4-year colleges. Approximately 10% of the students reported they consumed 15 or more drinks on an average weekly basis. The authors provide a detailed table showing the cumulative percentages of student drinking at various levels and offer suggestions for clinical and programmatic intervention.