A national study on binge drinking that included the University of Iowa finds 23 percent more students got drunk on a regular basis last year than in previous years. Harvard University’s Dr. Henry Weschler says it’s clear booze is still a big problem in America’s colleges.Over the six-year survey, it found one in four college students on campuses today are frequent binge drinkers. Dr. Weschler says one of the biggest problems is that drinking alcohol is the cheapest form of entertainment on many campuses.Phil Jones, vice president for Student Affairs at the U-of-I says the Iowa City institution is trying to cut back on binge drinking. Jones says they’re trying to set a good example by not serving alcohol at a variety of sports and social events.The survey of 10 colleges nationwide found the average price of a glass of beer on college campuses was 25-cents. U-of-I President Mary Sue Coleman says Iowa is trying to counter the fact that alcohol is the cheapest form of recreation on campus.The study found half of frequent binge drinkers in college started their heavy drinking in their senior year in high school.Gary Barrett, KCRG, Cedar Rapids
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