With four alcohol-related deaths already reported among college students nationwide this academic school year, ISU faculty and staff members involved with alcohol awareness are working to heighten awareness of alcohol poisoning.

Since the 2004-2005 academic year began, at least four college students have died of alcohol-related causes, at Colorado State University, the University of Colorado, the University of Oklahoma and the University of Arkansas. Three of the four deaths have been officially ruled as alcohol poisoning.

One of the students was found dead at Colorado State University’s Sigma Pi fraternity. Samantha Spady, a sophomore, had consumed as many as 40 drinks when she was found dead.

The three cases of alcohol poisoning that occurred at fraternity parties elsewhere in the nation have not changed ISU policies, said Jennifer Plagman-Galvin, director of Greek Affairs.

But, she said, that doesn’t mean Iowa State doesn’t take those happenings seriously.

“Any greek community and any university is affected by a death within another institution, and we are continuing to look at our guidelines and making the right decisions for us,” Plagman-Galvin said. “Policies and rules are examined annually, and we work with university legislative officials to decide what is best for ISU.”

But binge drinking is a problem not isolated to fraternity and sorority houses.

“The amount of alcohol students intake becomes most dangerous when they are playing drinking games or when some sort of competition is involved,” said Sara Kellogg, program coordinator for the ISU Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention Program. “That is the time when we don’t pay attention to our natural limits, and the consumption of alcohol can get out of hand,” she said.

One ISU student, who asked to remain anonymous because of the stigma attached to alcohol poisoning, experienced it last spring. She said it has made it difficult for her to be around alcohol because she fears losing control again.

“I had gone out with some friends and was clearly not paying attention to how many drinks I had or how intoxicated I was,” she said.

She said the effect of the alcohol was heightened because of medication she was taking at the time.

After throwing up a few times and eventually passing out, the student’s friends took her to the emergency room.

“They said I was shaking uncontrollably and my eyes were rolled back into my head and were halfway open,” she said.

After waking up in the emergency room with an IV in one arm, the doctors explained that they were unable to pump the student’s stomach because there wasn’t anything left to pump.

“It took me a couple close calls and a large hospital bill to realize I needed to stop,” she said.

Kellogg, the substance abuse program coordinator, began a program through which the university sends birthday cards to students who are soon to turn 21. The cards are a source of information and remind students to be responsible.

“We know that students are going to drink, regardless of what anyone says,” Kellogg said. “We are offering them a chance to think about the dangers of alcohol poisoning and to make sure they know what to do if help is needed.”

Kellogg said she has received feedback from students about the 21st birthday cards. She said that some thought it was a good idea, while other students thought it was silly.

According to the ISU Substance Abuse Prevention Web site, a person who has been drinking heavily and is not breathing normally or stops breathing requires immediate help.

Also, if that person is vomiting and not waking up, has cold and bluish skin, keeps shaking and is unconscious, he or she needs to be taken to the emergency room.

“We make it a priority to make sure students know how to identify and take care of someone who is going through alcohol poisoning,” Kellogg said.

“We take every opportunity to speak to students — for example, in their classes or organizations — and to answer questions they have and give them important resources the university offers.”

One place students in need of help can turn to is the Student Counseling Service.

“The Counseling Service has noticed an increase in numbers of students who are looking for help in relation to alcohol abuse,” said Marty Martinez, a psychologist at the Student Counseling Service. “We offer students an assessment that helps them realize the extent of their problem. We also talk with them to see if they need any outside treatment or if they wish to be referred to an individual counselor or a group counseling session.”

Martinez said that Counseling Service does not offer a drug or alcohol treatment program, but it does offer a drug education class.

Alcohol use facts

• The death rate from alcohol poisoning was highest at ages 45-54.

• From 1996 to 1998, only 2 percent of total alcohol poisoning deaths involved people under 21 years old.

• Alcohol poisoning was a contributing factor in 3,229 deaths between 1996 and 1998.

• In 2001, students reported reasons for drinking alcohol:

— 91 percent drink to have a good time with friends

— 90 percent drink to celebrate

— 74 percent drink to relax and relieve tension

— 69 percent drink because they like the taste

• Students reported that they only enjoy the feeling that happens within the first few drinks.

• 70 percent of college students engage in unplanned sexual activity after drinking.

• Alcohol is involved in more than 90 percent of campus rapes.

• 65 percent of college-aged individuals want rules regarding 21 as the minimal age to sell/serve alcohol to be more strongly enforced.

• College students spend approximately $15.5 billion on alcohol each year.

Sources: MADD, National Institute of Abuse and Alcoholism, Brown University

— Compiled by Ina Kadic