CHICAGO — Government researchers say “deplorably” few college students are warned by doctors about dangers from alcohol and drugs or encouraged to cut down or abstain.
Their survey suggests that most doctors ask college students and other young adults about alcohol or drug use — but don’t usually go much beyond that initial question.
About 2,100 college students and other young adults took part. Forty percent told researchers they’d consumed five or more drinks on at least one occasion and 20 percent had been drunk at least six times in the past month.
The researchers say participants might not have told doctors the truth about their drinking habits. Still, they say lack of advice may wrongly signal that heavy drinking is OK.
The study was published Monday in JAMA Pediatrics.