At ASU, some argue that drinking is a way of life, whether a student is of age or not.
A study released Tuesday by Columbia University echoes that school of thought by reporting that underage drinkers account for 25 percent of all alcohol consumption in the United States.
The study, called "Teen Tipplers: America's Underage Drinking Epidemic," has come under fire from the government and the alcoholic beverage industry, which are reporting that the figure is actually 11.4 percent, according to The Associated Press.
Regardless, Craig Nagoshi, an associate professor of psychology, said that at ASU, drinking alcohol is seen almost as a necessity.
"It's become such an integral part of the 'college experience,'" Nagoshi said. "It's such a norm."
Karen Moses, assistant director of health education and wellness, said that at 67.5 percent, ASU is lower than the national statistics on underage drinking, according to a spring 2000 National College Health Assessment survey.
"When you think of this statistic, you have to think of who college students are," Moses said. "College students are more educated than high school students, and alcohol affects grades and motivation, so that could be why our number is lower than the national number."
Broadcasting sophomore Evan Frost said it is expected for people to drink in college, 21 years old or not.
"It's a social drug," Frost said, "and we're social people in a social setting. What do you expect to happen?"
Danielle Alley, a marketing sophomore, said that even if there were stricter underage drinking laws, people would still drink.
"People don't care about the law," Alley said. "Some people can't handle their alcohol, though, under or over 21."
ASU police Chief John Pickens said police agencies can only do so much to combat underage drinking.
"We have stricter enforcement on Friday and Saturday nights, which is when students have a tendency to party," Pickens said.
Nagoshi and Pickens said drinking on a college campus is understandable, but the best thing to do is educate students on how to drink responsibly.
"Use common sense," Pickens said. "Have a designated driver, and if you're going to drink, drink responsibly."
Reach the reporter at lindsey.holder@asu.edu.
