In a state overflowing with alcohol, UW-Milwaukee is a microcosm of Wisconsin’s drinking culture.
Sarah Laurent, a graduate student in the UWM Statistics program, researches correlations between binge drinking rates by census tracts and liquor license locations throughout the City of Milwaukee.
“What I found was that the census tract that contained Sandburg Residence Hall contained the highest binge drinking prevalence rate throughout the City of Milwaukee,” said Laurent.
A UWM study titled 2018 UWM Biennial Report found that 69% of UWM students had reported drinking alcohol in the last thirty days compared to a national university average of 58%.
“My results were interesting from a public health standpoint because there is a high number of underage individuals living in the areas with high binge drinking rates and near some areas with the highest volumes of liquor license location throughout the city,” said Laurent.
Adam Dwyer, a freshman at UWM, agrees with Laurent’s conclusions.
“I do think living in Milwaukee has an impact on how much students drink. There are bars on almost every non-residential street and many parties going near campus on during weekends. Drinking is an essential part of Milwaukee’s identity,” said Dwyer.
On the fifth floor of UWM’s newly renovated Northwest Quadrant, a team of health and wellness professionals meet with their last clients of the day. The sunshine-infused walls of the Norris Health Center are scattered with posters and pamphlets offering services and messages of hope.
BASICS, or “Brief Alcohol and other drug Screening and Intervention for College Students” is just one of several programs offered at the Norris Health Center to assist students battling alcohol abuse. Roughly 300 students per year participate in the program.
“For the students that come in for BASICS, some are concerned about academic performance,” said Susan Cushman, campus alcohol and drug coordinator. “Too much of their time is taken up from drinking or recovering from drinking so it’s taking away other things they want to do, like study or exercise.”
It’s no secret that Milwaukee is a town that loves to drink. Whether it’s one of the city’s countless bars, breweries or even a family gathering, access to alcohol in the Brew City is just about as easy as it gets.
A 2016 study by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, 63% of Wisconsin residents drink regularly compared to a national average of 53%. The same study reported 22% of Wisconsin residents surveyed binge drank in the last month. Experts say the consequences of alcohol misuse can be dismal, especially for college students and their mental well-being.
Dwyer says college life has directly impacted his alcohol intake.
“I’ve been drinking since before I came to UWM, but since I’ve been a student here, I’ve definitely begun drinking more,” he said.
His experiences with alcohol echo Cushman’s concerns with some of the students she sees.
“I’ve fallen down the stairs more times than I can count, and I’ve stayed home from class a few times due to a nasty hangover,” said Dwyer.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals who drink alcohol before the age of 21 risk changes in brain development, poor academic performance and suicide.
“We see more students in the fall rather than in the spring,” said Cushman. “There’s some research that suggests the first six weeks of an undergraduate’s college student’s life tend to a time of exploration and risk-taking behavior.”
A UWM student named Cade, who asked that his last name be withheld, believes UWM freshman like himself are most at risk for alcohol abuse.
“I’ve noticed most of the parties I’ve been to have had mostly freshmen and sophomores in attendance,” he said.
Underage drinking on and near campus is something Cade notices while out partying with friends.
“Freshman can be pretty wild because they are having their first experience with alcohol,” he said. “Many will drink in their dorms before going out to parties.”
Both Cade and Dwyer believe drinking alcohol in moderation is key to maintaining a successful college experience.
“I usually drink once or twice a week, but sometimes I still go out with friends and choose not to drink,” said Cade.