Teens develop drink habits before college years

Students starting university have already developed disturbing patterns of alcohol use, according to the head of student health at University College Cork.

Michael Byrne said that drinking was become “more and more prevalent” among incoming students, and the feedback from secondary school principals indicated that both Leaving Certificate and 5th year pupils were drinking.

Dr Byrne is spearheading a movement across the UCC campus, backed by the student’s union and the university itself, geared at raising awareness about the harm alcohol can do and encouraging students to take ownership of their own health. He said a “regular and consistent” part of his work is treating students for the unintended consequences of drinking too much.