Study links alcohol to isolation, lower grades

While some students use drinking as a form of socialization, a U. Texas study has found that alcohol use in teens may hinder rather than fuel a fun night out.

In a study funded in part by the UT Population Research Center, sociology professor Robert Crosnoe and assistant human development professor Aprile Benner measured the attitudes of 8,271 students in grades seven to 12 in 126 schools who were exposed to drinking. Benner said although this is just one study, the results contradict common notions about partying. In one instance, the study found a correlation between the students who drank regularly and the ones who reported feelings of loneliness. It also found that students who reported drinking alcohol had lower grade point averages.

The strongest correlation was seen between those who drank regularly at school where alcohol use was not common by their peers.