HEALTH

Why Do College Students Drink Too Much?

Mon Oct 20 2025

College is a time for growth, learning, and, unfortunately, a lot of drinking. Many students struggle with feeling like they don't belong, a phenomenon known as imposter syndrome. This feeling can lead to anxiety and depression, which might push students to drink more.

The Prevalence of Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is common among college students. It's that nagging feeling that you're not as smart or capable as others think you are. This can lead to negative emotions like anxiety and depression. And guess what? These feelings are linked to unhealthy drinking habits.

But here's the thing: until now, no one has really looked into how imposter syndrome directly affects drinking behaviors. That's a big deal because understanding this connection could help students make better choices.

The Vicious Cycle

Think about it. If you're feeling down or anxious, you might turn to alcohol to cope. But drinking to cope can lead to bigger problems, like binge drinking. And binge drinking can lead to even more serious issues, like health problems and poor academic performance.

Why Does This Happen?

Well, when students feel like they don't measure up, they might drink to escape those feelings. But drinking to escape only makes things worse in the long run. It's a vicious cycle.

The Solution

This is why it's so important to address imposter syndrome head-on. By tackling these feelings, students might be less likely to turn to alcohol as a crutch. And that's a win-win for everyone.

questions

    If imposter syndrome leads to more drinking, does that mean the 'real' students are the ones not drinking?
    If imposter syndrome makes students feel like they don't belong, does that mean they're just pretending to drink too?
    Can interventions targeting imposter syndrome effectively reduce problematic drinking behaviors in college students?

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