Is the Party Over? Why Are College Students Drinking Less?

By Mylee Santos 

The number of reported alcohol violations on campus dropped dramatically in recent years and some say it may be part of a national trend where college students are drinking less. 

According to the 2018 Clery Report, there were 452 liquor law referrals given at Stonehill. In the most recent Clery Report, in 2023, it reports there were 243 liquor law referrals. 

Lydia Hogan, coordinator of Health and Wellness Promotion said, “While we cannot point to a single factor that explains the decline in alcohol referrals, national research has documented decreases in alcohol consumption among Gen Z, including college students.” 

The American College Health Associations National College Health Assessment found that 66.7% of students reported consuming alcohol in the previous three months in spring 2022, compared to 61% in fall 2025.   

“While we cannot conclude the national trends directly caused the decline in referrals at Stonehill, our data appears consistent with broader patterns seen across higher education,” said Hogan. 

Pauline Burke, Vice President for Students Affairs, said that Stonehill has long maintained a collaborative approach involving Residence Life, Community Standards, Campus Police, Health Services, and health promotion staff. 

“While our relationships among these offices have remained consistently strong over time, we have continued to refine our educational, outreach, and harm reduction efforts. Those efforts may contribute to a campus environment where students are better informed about alcohol-related risks and resources,” said Burke. 

Hogan said the school works to educate students on the issue. “At Stonehill, all incoming students complete alcohol and drug education before arriving on campus, and students continue to receive education, outreach, and support throughout their time at the college.”

“We also take and educational approach when working with students in community standards and utilize Alcohol eCheck-up To Go and the BASICS program following alcohol-related policy violations,” said Hogan. 

BASICS is an evidence-informed educational intervention that helps students reflect on their alcohol use, better understand potential risks, and identify strategies that support their own health and safety. 

Burke said there is no evidence suggesting that alcohol-related incidents are being systematically underreported. 

“It is important to recognize that all campus conduct and referral data have limitations, as they reflect incidents that come to the attention of College officials, rather than every instance of students alcohol use,” said Burke. 

An annual report done by Monitoring the Future said that there is a historic low for both men and women in binge drinking in college, they defined binge drinking as having five or more drinks in a row. 

“Researchers have cited a variety of possible contributors, including increased attention to health and wellness, greater awareness of mental health, changing social norms, and shifts in substance use patterns,” said Hogan. 

Burke said, “Beyond the numbers, our primary goal is to foster a community where students care for themselves and one another. Our shared focus is on student health, safety, education, and intervention when concerns arise.” 

“Together, these educational efforts may contribute to increased awareness and more informed decision-making among students,” said Hogan. 

“We encourage students to look out for friends, seek help when someone may be at risk, and take advantage of the many resources available to support their well-being,” said Burke.