Extreme ritualistic alcohol consumption among college students on game day.

UNLABELLED: Alcohol use and the related consequences associated with college football games are a serious public health issue for university communities.

OBJECTIVE: Examining "Extreme Ritualistic Alcohol Consumption" (ERAC), defined as consuming 10 or more drinks on game day for a male, and 8 or more drinks for a female, is the focus of this study.

PARTICIPANTS: In the fall of 2006, college students ages 18 to 24 were randomly selected to complete the Game Day Survey.

METHODS: Researchers utilized a cross sectional research design to collect data.

RESULTS: Sixteen percent of the respondents engaged in ERAC on game day, whereas 36% drank 5 or more drinks (4 or more for females). Male, Caucasian, Greek (members of a social fraternity or sorority), and students of legal drinking age consumed alcohol at disproportionately high rates.

CONCLUSION: Alcohol use is common on game day, with a significant percentage of students placing themselves at risk by drinking large amounts of alcohol.