By Lee Kyung-min
University students are drinking alcohol as a temporary means of forgetting the stress of a highly competitive society, increasing the likelihood of possible alcohol abuse and thus a vicious cycle, a government study showed Thursday.
According to a Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs study of 503 university students, the more depressed the respondents felt, the more they sought to cope with stress. The more they struggled to find answers, the more they relied on drinking.
The study said opting to drink away stress problems only worsens mental health, leading to more frequent and uncontrollable alcohol intake.
“This is how possible addiction begins: those who get drunk to forget about their problems keep relying on alcohol to soothe psychological pain,” the study said.
The study said drinking when depressed only reinforces negative psychological problems, and in turn self-control will gradually deteriorate.
It also suggested focusing on what triggers one to drink is more important than categorical banning.
Education to find other ways to relieve stress is also recommended, the study added.