How Much Do Students Drink At UH?

The good news is that most University of Hawaii at Mānoa students makes good decisions and smart choices when it comes to drinking. Over three fourths of UH Mānoa undergraduates are not considered high-risk drinkers. This is great news and we want to get this message out to the entire UH Mānoa community.

Surveys conducted among undergraduates at UH Mānoa indicate many positive changes in students’ drinking decisions, and we want everyone to know how well we are doing. However, high-risk drinking by even a few affects all college students, whether they choose to drink or not.  High-risk drinkers have a negative impact on the entire college campus and the surrounding community, and they are at risk for future problems with alcohol.  MAP wants to reduce these negative effects.

Our goal is to continue to reduce the harm associated with underage and high-risk drinking, and to make sure everyone is aware that the majority of students drink safely.

Survey Statistics

The Manoa Alcohol Project survey conducted in 2013 with UH-Mānoa undergraduates shows that:

• 62% of UHM first year students don’t drink alcohol at all.
• 84% of UHM undergraduates choose to drink in moderation or don’t drink at all (for men 4 or less drinks per occasion, for women 3 or less drinks per occasion).
• 77% of UHM undergraduates use a buddy system or stay in a group for protection when they are drinking.
• 78% of UHM undergraduates don’t use marijuana.
• 88% of UHM undergraduates don’t smoke cigarettes.
• When it comes to dating and relationships, 91% of UHM undergraduates would rather date a non-smoker.
• When it comes to parties and socializing, 98% of UHM students have not taken advantage of someone sexually.

Most undergrads at UHM who choose to drink practice low-risk drinking habits to prevent themselves and others from harm.  For example, in the last 12 months, among those who drink…

• 71% ate before and/or during drinking, most or all of the time
• 68% used a designated driver most or all of the time
• 88% never mixed alcohol with a prescription drug
• 78% never or rarely mixed alcohol with energy drinks
• 76% did not forget where or what they did
• 94% did not get into trouble with campus security or residence hall staff
• 97% did not get into trouble with the police
• 99% did not physically injure another person

Students at UHM also take care of their friends who drink, and would want someone to watch out for them.  If they were in a drinking situation….

• 78% always or usually make sure the person is not left alone with strangers
• 80% always or usually keep the person from drinking and driving
• 77% always or usually keep the person from harming him or herself
• 78% always or usually keep the person from harming others
• 70% always or usually keep the person who is drinking from destroying property
• 63% always or usually call for help if the person shows signs of alcohol poisoning

Most UHM students indicate that drinking is not a central part of their social life:  For example:

• 65% say drinking alcohol is NOT a central part of their social life
• 85% say that drinking alcohol to the point of vomiting is unacceptable
• 81% say that drinking to the point of falling down is unacceptable
• 88% say that they have control over whether/how much they drink

*   From Mānoa Alcohol Project (MAP) Survey, Spring 2013

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