UAH Student Speaks on the Dangers of Binge Drinking

A University of Alabama-Huntsville student spoke at the University Center about the dangers of binge drinking to a small group of Toastmasters International members, a group working towards improving communication skills,Thursday evening.

Allison Walker, a sophomore majoring in computer science, gave a small group of students the facts and consequences of binge drinking.

Walker’s main concern was the serious effects of binge drinking, such as, alcohol poisoning or death.

Walker used a personal life story about how her cousin was killed in a drunk driving accident two years ago. She talked about how a binge drinker’s judgment is impaired and could lead him or her to engage in high-risk activities while intoxicated.

“Some dangerous situations involved with binge drinking include: drunk driving accidents, drowning, or being a victim of different kinds of assaults,” Walker said.

Walker related her speech to the audience of mainly college students by giving the statistics, conducted through surveys, of binge drinking among college students. She cited Gayle M. Boyd, author of Alcohol Problems Among Adolescents, throughout her speech.

“Gayle M. Boyd states that binge drinking is defined as consuming five or more drinks in a row,” Walker said.

“I didn’t realize binge drinking meant you only drink five drinks at one time,” Matt Daniels, a junior in engineering, said. “Most of my friends are binge drinkers!”

The audience was shocked when they heard the facts about binge drinking, but they became even more shocked after hearing the dangers of it.

Walker spoke to the audience about who is affected most by binge drinking, stating that the age group most affected is people between 18 to 22. She also added that most binge drinkers are under the legal drinking age.

“Next time you go to a college party, I hope you keep these facts in mind,” Walker said.