Did you know that roughly 20% of college students meet the criteria for having an alcohol use disorder (AUD)? That’s about one in five students who could be struggling with serious drinking issues. Also, about 60% of college students aged 18 to 22 admitted to drinking. Of those drinkers, nearly two out of every three engaged in binge drinking. What’s also astounding is that the average age at which young people (aged 12-20) first try alcohol is about 13.9 years. It’s a topic that often stays under the radar and rarely makes headlines, but ignoring it doesn’t diminish the urgency to address it.

Why Staying Dry Matters

You’re probably wondering, “Why should I care?” As a college athlete, your body allows you to perform, excel, and hopefully catch the eye of sports scouts and recruiters. Alcohol damages your body in all sorts of ways. It affects your sleep, recovery time, and overall physical performance.

For instance, consider this scenario: it’s the night before a big game. While your teammates are partying, you get a good night’s sleep. The next day, you’re clear-headed, quick on your feet, and ready to dominate. Your hungover teammates? Not so much.

Academic Success and Future Prospects

College sports are fantastic, but they’re not the be-all and end-all. You’re here to get an education, after all. Alcohol can tank your grades faster than you can say “party foul.” Late nights, missed classes, lack of focus – it all adds up, and not in a good way.

You need all the brainpower you can muster when aiming for academic and athletic excellence. Balancing sports, classes, and assignments at the same time can be exhausting for many student-athletes. Some students use academic support platforms that can help with requests like do my assignment when their schedules become too overwhelming. Staying sober helps you stay focused and driven, making you more likely to meet GPA requirements and remain eligible to play. Not to mention, good grades can open up financial opportunities and impress sports agents and employers.

Building Discipline and Responsibility

Staying sober comes down to avoiding negative consequences and building positive habits that will serve you well into the future. College is a time to grow, learn, and develop lifelong skills like discipline and responsibility. When you choose to stay sober, you’re making a statement about your priorities and commitment to your goals. Teammates and coaches respect athletes who show discipline on and off the field. You become a role model, someone others can look up to. What’s also great is that this can open doors to leadership opportunities within your team and boost your confidence in all areas of life.

Tips for Staying Sober and Succeeding

So how do you do it? How do you stay focused, avoid the pitfalls of college drinking culture, and still have a blast?

Clear Goals: Having clear goals, whether for maintaining a certain GPA, achieving fitness benchmarks, or excelling in your sport, can help you stay focused and motivated.
Support System: Surround yourself with friends and teammates who respect your choice to stay sober.
Stay Busy Doing the Right Things: Get involved in activities that don’t revolve around drinking. Join clubs, volunteer, or pick up a new hobby.
Educate Yourself: Understand the impact of alcohol on your body and mind. The more you know, the easier it is to make good decisions.
Practice Self-Care: Focus on your overall health and wellness. Eat well, get plenty of sleep, and take time for relaxation and mental health.

Staying sober in college isn’t always a walk in the park. Peer pressure can be intense, and the fear of missing out (FOMO) is real. But remind yourself why you’ve made this choice. Keep your eyes on the prize – whether getting a degree, winning games, or setting yourself up for future success.

Also, it’s okay to ask for help. Whether talking to a counselor, joining a support group, or simply confiding in a friend, there’s no shame in seeking support when needed.

So here’s to smashing those goals, both on and off the field. Stay strong, stay dedicated, and most importantly, stay sober.

SOBER SPORTS: When the Jersey Comes Off – Identity, Mental Health, and Life After Sports

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Resources Are Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.