'21 for 21': A Deadly Binge Drinking Ritual on College Campuses

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Based on the information supplied by the students, the researchers estimated that 49 percent of the men and 35 percent of the women had estimated blood alcohol contents of 0.26 or higher, a level that could cause serious health problems such as disorientation, coma and death. That means an average size woman would have to drink between seven and nine drinks an hour to attain a blood alcohol content of 0.26, and an average man would have to drink between 10 and 12 drinks, the researchers said.

"What generally happens is that we are normally protected by alcohol when you pass out before you get too drunk and get to the stage of death," said Dr. Evaristo Akerele, vice president and director of medical and psychiatric affairs at Phoenix House in New York City. "What happens here is somebody keeps the mouth open and keeps putting more and more alcohol so you override [the tendency to pass out first]. It's potentially fatal."

Some interventions for the problem already exist, Rutledge said. For instance, many universities have instituted the "birthday card," which is sent out before a student's 21st birthday and includes information on blood alcohol content. But reports on the effectiveness of the birthday card have been mixed, she said.

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Said Akerele: "The focus needs to be more on this age group. And more peers need to be included in the process so they are aware of the dangers."

More information

Visit B.R.A.D.21 (Be Responsible About Drinking) for more information on this topic. The Web site was created in memory of Bradley McCue, a Michigan State University student who died of alcohol poisoning after celebrating his 21st birthday.

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