BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — Rush Week, as it is commonly known, is a perfect time for college prospects to hunt down the sorority or fraternity that best fits their goals and lifestyle — but this event often comes with heavy drinking that often borders on binging. This is a concern that pledges in North Dakota should be especially worried about, considering the state’s previous tendencies for alcohol abuse. With the week in question coming up fast, it’s important to know how to keep your consumption as safe as possible.

In a recent study on addictions across the United States, Texas-based treatment facility Origins Recovery looked over 2022-2023 data from both the Centers for Disease Control and Mental Health America to rank each state by its rates of binge and heavy drinking, as well as how many residents report having substance use disorders. Here, it was found that many of the alcohol problems that have plagued North Dakota in the past are still alive and well.

According to the research North Dakota has the highest level of binge drinking in the nation, as nearly a quarter of its adult population (23.9%) confesses to taking part in the activity. It should also be noted that this practice comes at a severe financial cost as well: the weekly cost of binge drinking in North Dakota, the study notes, is roughly $81.75, which amounts to an extra $4,215 overall.

In contrast to these high rates, states like Indiana, Mississippi, and Kentucky reported much lower levels of binge drinking, especially regarding the percentage of adults who reported weekly binges or heavy alcohol consumption. This is especially the case in Utah, which boasts low values on both ends (presumably due to the state’s strict alcohol policies).

“Rush can be a particularly difficult time for those with a challenging relationship with alcohol,” states a spokesperson with Origins Recovery. “Some colleges may encourage a dry ‘rush week,’ but this time of year often leads to large alcohol-heavy parties to celebrate the new recruits. If you’re a student feeling the drinking pressure, or you’re a worried parent of a college student, there are some great ways to avoid unnecessary overconsumption. “

The following is a list of tips from Origins on how to avoid heavy drinking during rush week — or at the very least, how to keep your alcohol consumption safe and steady:

• You do not have to consume an alcoholic beverage to get the taste of one. Alcohol-free beers, ciders, and spirits are available at most bars, and mocktails are options that can be both sweet and budget-friendly.
• One should never be made to feel uncomfortable if they refuse to drink alcohol. If you are worried about being questioned, choose soda or cranberry juice as your drink of choice: their coloring makes it difficult to tell whether or not it contains any spirits.
• Enlist the help of a “sobriety partner” — another person who is not drinking — at recruitment events. This not only helps you keep one another accountable, but can stop you from feeling isolated.

There is a difference between complete sobriety and drinking in moderation, and at the end of the day, either is acceptable. Those who are still interested in partaking in Rush Week’s alcohol events without going completely sober can do so safely by following these helpful pieces of advice:

• If you must drink alcohol, have a small glass of water between each drink to reduce the amount of alcohol you consume.
• Ensure you have eaten enough before or after drinking alcohol.
• Buy your own drinks. This helps you to keep track of how much you have consumed and places you on a budget.
• Set a strict limit before going out. Remember that not every beer or cocktail contains the same amount of alcohol, and go by the amount consumed rather than the number of drinks.
• Above all, if you notice a dependency on alcohol, rethink your drinking habits, and seek help as soon as possible.

If you or someone you know is struggling with binge drinking, many resources and outreach programs are available throughout the state to help them battle their addiction. For more information on addiction support in North Dakota, click here .

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