Getting drunk isn’t always just care-free fun
The two main reasons often put forward to explain increased alcohol consumption in social settings are ‘beer goggles’ and ‘liquid courage’. Beer goggles is a colloquial term used to describe the phenomenon where a person's perception of physical attractiveness is supposedly altered or distorted after consuming alcohol. When someone is under the influence of alcohol, their judgment and inhibitions can be impaired, which may lead them to perceive others as more attractive than they might appear when sober. This perception shift is often used humorously to explain why someone might find a person attractive at a party or social event. However, upon sobering up, their perspective on that person's attractiveness changes.
Along the same lines, liquid courage describes the feeling of increased confidence or bravery that some individuals experience after consuming alcohol. Alcohol consumption can lower inhibitions and reduce feelings of anxiety or self-consciousness, leading to a temporary boost in self-confidence and a willingness to take risks they might otherwise avoid when sober. For example, someone who is ordinarily shy might feel more comfortable approaching someone they're attracted to or engaging in daring activities after consuming alcohol. While these terms have been around for quite some time, recent research has shown that beer goggles don’t exist. However, the study supports the concept of liquid courage.
The desire of undergraduate and graduate students for an enjoyable college experience, including partying and having a good time, is not a new phenomenon. (See also “Good times lead to good feelings” - Being out with friends encourages students to meet someone and engage in casual sex) College life is often associated with newfound freedom, independence, and the opportunity to socialize and form lasting friendships. In recent years, there has been increased awareness about the potential negative consequences of excessive partying, including issues related to mental health, alcohol consumption, and consent. This awareness may have led to more responsible behaviors on some campuses. Studies and surveys have also revealed that Gen Z tends to engage in less alcohol consumption compared to previous generations, such as the millennials, Generation X, and baby boomers. Therefore, it doesn’t come as a surprise that students’ descriptions of their drinking habits in responses submitted to my surveys don’t include stories of binge drinking or similar.
Along the same lines, liquid courage describes the feeling of increased confidence or bravery that some individuals experience after consuming alcohol. Alcohol consumption can lower inhibitions and reduce feelings of anxiety or self-consciousness, leading to a temporary boost in self-confidence and a willingness to take risks they might otherwise avoid when sober. For example, someone who is ordinarily shy might feel more comfortable approaching someone they're attracted to or engaging in daring activities after consuming alcohol. While these terms have been around for quite some time, recent research has shown that beer goggles don’t exist. However, the study supports the concept of liquid courage.
The desire of undergraduate and graduate students for an enjoyable college experience, including partying and having a good time, is not a new phenomenon. (See also “Good times lead to good feelings” - Being out with friends encourages students to meet someone and engage in casual sex) College life is often associated with newfound freedom, independence, and the opportunity to socialize and form lasting friendships. In recent years, there has been increased awareness about the potential negative consequences of excessive partying, including issues related to mental health, alcohol consumption, and consent. This awareness may have led to more responsible behaviors on some campuses. Studies and surveys have also revealed that Gen Z tends to engage in less alcohol consumption compared to previous generations, such as the millennials, Generation X, and baby boomers. Therefore, it doesn’t come as a surprise that students’ descriptions of their drinking habits in responses submitted to my surveys don’t include stories of binge drinking or similar.
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“Social drinking when acceptable. I enjoy wine, liquor, fruity drinks.” (female, 20, sophomore)
“I rarely drink. My drinking choices go from angry orchards to vodka cranberries. I have a max of 4 drinks every other month.” (female, 24, junior) “Rarely ever, sometimes on the weekends. I prefer beer but I do not always drink alcohol or make it a habit.” (female, 20, sophomore) “Friday & Saturday night- crown apple straight from the bottle/no mixed drink.” (female, 20, sophomore) “I sometimes drink on friday/saturday nights, always gravitated toward darker liquor, I take my drinks straight.” (male, 20, sophomore) |
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“I work in a bar so sometimes I taste things. Other than that I’m not much of a drinker.” (female, 18, freshman)
As is common knowledge, alcohol consumption can have a wide range of effects on behavior beyond liquid courage. The effects vary, depending on factors such as the amount of alcohol consumed, the individual's tolerance, their mood, the environment in which they are drinking, and so on. While alcohol might temporarily reduce inhibitions and increase confidence, it can also impair judgment and decision-making. This can lead to risky behaviors, poor choices, and potential negative consequences. What might feel like confidence under the influence of alcohol could lead to embarrassment or regret once sober, especially when it leads to engaging in unsafe sexual activity. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to blackouts or memory lapses, where individuals have difficulty recalling events that occurred while under the influence.
Asked if they had ever engaged in sex while under the influence of alcohol, two-thirds of Gen Z students in my survey said ‘yes’. Most students stressed that the alcohol didn’t cause them to engage in sex they didn’t want to have, and quite a few students, especially males, described the effect of liquid courage.
“Yeah, it's a lot of fun (try to still be responsible). They say you don't need alcohol to have fun but you also don't need shoes to walk but it helps.” (male, 20, junior)
“Yes, drunk sex is amazing, why not?” (male, 23, senior)
“I’m better at sex when I'm drunk. I'll go for hours.” (male, 25, junior)
“I do it all the time. I don’t think it influences me to do it that much. i’ve never regretted it when i got sober.” (female, 20, junior)
“Being in a relationship for more than a year, things start to die down in the bedroom. When my partner still lived in Florida, we use to have a glass of wine while cooking dinner and watching our favorite shows. That glass of wine helped me get in the mood.” (female, 20, sophomore)
Unfortunately, there were also students, almost exclusively females, who described being coerced into sex or being the victims of sexual harassment or assault while drunk.
“I was at a party and i was drinking, this was the first and only time i was black out drunk and a "friend" brought me home and welcomed himself to spend the night.” (female, 21, junior)
“Sexually assaulted while drunk.” (female, 21, senior)
“Absolutely. I was in an extremely sexually abusive relationship from 18-20. Towards the end my ex would get me to drink so I would have sex with him. I haven’t really been able to have sex while sober in almost a full year. I have been taken advantage of by a bunch of guys at [xxx], especially fraternity brothers. Alcohol was always involved.” (female, 21, junior)
“Yes. My friend took advantage of me while I was very drunk, someone I trusted and didn’t think would do that. But when I woke up from being passed out, she initiated sex and I went along with it. Only after did I realize what happened and started crying because I would have never agreed if I wasn’t passed out and woken up with things already happening.” (female, 19, junior)
“Honestly yes. The guy knew I didn't want to have sex and I was the only one drunk- not me writing about getting raped anyways yeah I do think being under the influence of alcohol caused me to engage in sex at that time. (female, 18, freshman) I do not remember the entire situation. I was blacking out. It wasn’t consensual and that was not my plan to engage in sexual activity I do not know if the alcohol caused it but I do know someone close to me took advantage of it.” (female, 18, freshman)
“I got drunk and had sex with people I didn't want to have sex with. I wasn't aware at the moment. Being under the influence caused me to be too vulnerable to make my own decisions for me. They took advantage of me, knowing that the alcohol was the only reason why they were able to hook up with me.” (female, 18, freshman)
“I was raped at a party a few years back and that happened after I had put myself to bed. So that was really bad. I also had an abusive ex that would drink daily and get really forceful but again that’s not on my drinking/not drinking. I only drink when I have my partner with me now so if I have sex with them at the end of the day it’s wanted.” (female, 23, sophomore)
Ensuring safe alcohol consumption and reducing the risk of unwanted sexual activity or assault is important for everyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Here are some tips and advice, particularly to young women, on how to approach a night out and alcohol responsibly:
As is common knowledge, alcohol consumption can have a wide range of effects on behavior beyond liquid courage. The effects vary, depending on factors such as the amount of alcohol consumed, the individual's tolerance, their mood, the environment in which they are drinking, and so on. While alcohol might temporarily reduce inhibitions and increase confidence, it can also impair judgment and decision-making. This can lead to risky behaviors, poor choices, and potential negative consequences. What might feel like confidence under the influence of alcohol could lead to embarrassment or regret once sober, especially when it leads to engaging in unsafe sexual activity. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to blackouts or memory lapses, where individuals have difficulty recalling events that occurred while under the influence.
Asked if they had ever engaged in sex while under the influence of alcohol, two-thirds of Gen Z students in my survey said ‘yes’. Most students stressed that the alcohol didn’t cause them to engage in sex they didn’t want to have, and quite a few students, especially males, described the effect of liquid courage.
“Yeah, it's a lot of fun (try to still be responsible). They say you don't need alcohol to have fun but you also don't need shoes to walk but it helps.” (male, 20, junior)
“Yes, drunk sex is amazing, why not?” (male, 23, senior)
“I’m better at sex when I'm drunk. I'll go for hours.” (male, 25, junior)
“I do it all the time. I don’t think it influences me to do it that much. i’ve never regretted it when i got sober.” (female, 20, junior)
“Being in a relationship for more than a year, things start to die down in the bedroom. When my partner still lived in Florida, we use to have a glass of wine while cooking dinner and watching our favorite shows. That glass of wine helped me get in the mood.” (female, 20, sophomore)
Unfortunately, there were also students, almost exclusively females, who described being coerced into sex or being the victims of sexual harassment or assault while drunk.
“I was at a party and i was drinking, this was the first and only time i was black out drunk and a "friend" brought me home and welcomed himself to spend the night.” (female, 21, junior)
“Sexually assaulted while drunk.” (female, 21, senior)
“Absolutely. I was in an extremely sexually abusive relationship from 18-20. Towards the end my ex would get me to drink so I would have sex with him. I haven’t really been able to have sex while sober in almost a full year. I have been taken advantage of by a bunch of guys at [xxx], especially fraternity brothers. Alcohol was always involved.” (female, 21, junior)
“Yes. My friend took advantage of me while I was very drunk, someone I trusted and didn’t think would do that. But when I woke up from being passed out, she initiated sex and I went along with it. Only after did I realize what happened and started crying because I would have never agreed if I wasn’t passed out and woken up with things already happening.” (female, 19, junior)
“Honestly yes. The guy knew I didn't want to have sex and I was the only one drunk- not me writing about getting raped anyways yeah I do think being under the influence of alcohol caused me to engage in sex at that time. (female, 18, freshman) I do not remember the entire situation. I was blacking out. It wasn’t consensual and that was not my plan to engage in sexual activity I do not know if the alcohol caused it but I do know someone close to me took advantage of it.” (female, 18, freshman)
“I got drunk and had sex with people I didn't want to have sex with. I wasn't aware at the moment. Being under the influence caused me to be too vulnerable to make my own decisions for me. They took advantage of me, knowing that the alcohol was the only reason why they were able to hook up with me.” (female, 18, freshman)
“I was raped at a party a few years back and that happened after I had put myself to bed. So that was really bad. I also had an abusive ex that would drink daily and get really forceful but again that’s not on my drinking/not drinking. I only drink when I have my partner with me now so if I have sex with them at the end of the day it’s wanted.” (female, 23, sophomore)
Ensuring safe alcohol consumption and reducing the risk of unwanted sexual activity or assault is important for everyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Here are some tips and advice, particularly to young women, on how to approach a night out and alcohol responsibly:
- Plan ahead: Decide on a limit for the number of drinks you'll have before you start drinking, and stick to it. Plan your transportation home, whether it's a designated driver, rideshare service, or public transportation. Educate yourself about the potential risks and consequences of excessive alcohol consumption and the laws related to alcohol in your area.
- Know your limits: Understand your tolerance for alcohol and drink within your limits. Different people react to alcohol differently. Sip your drink slowly and alternate with non-alcoholic beverages like water or soda to stay hydrated. Avoid combining alcohol with drugs or medications, as this can impair judgment and increase risks.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Stay mindful of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar or crowded places. Trust your instincts and take precautions accordingly. If a situation or person makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, trust your gut and leave. Your safety should always come first. Keep an eye on your drink at all times to prevent anyone from tampering with it. If you leave your drink unattended, consider getting a new one.
- Set Boundaries: Be assertive about your boundaries and communicate your limits to others. It's okay to say no to drinking or unwanted advances. Consent is crucial, and you should never feel pressured into any sexual activity.
- Carry Personal Safety Items: Consider carrying personal safety items such as pepper spray or a personal alarm. These can provide an added layer of protection in case of an emergency.
- Party with Trusted Friends: When possible, go out with friends you trust. Look out for one another and have a plan for getting home safely.
