Many young people recently have returned to colleges and universities, or have just started as freshmen. Some view college life as a unique educational opportunity to acquire new knowledge and develop skills that will allow them to pursue their chosen careers. Others focus more on their independence and freedom, and less on academic pursuits.

Whether students study hard and party hard, or just party all the time, excessive alcohol use during the college years is clearly a major problem for many young adults. It is not a new problem but, overall, it is getting worse.

The American Psychiatric Association sponsors a consumer-oriented Web site called "Healthy Minds. Healthy Lives." It offers information and resources regarding many of the mental health issues common in college campuses. Among these issues are the stressors of college life, including alcohol abuse.

About one-half of college students episodically drink excessive amounts of alcohol. This binge drinking, often defined as five or more consecutive drinks for men and four or more for women, has been identified by the U.S. government as a major public health problem among college students.

People may set in motion life-long problems with alcohol with their excessive drinking in college. And that's not to mention the thousands of college students killed or injured annually due to alcohol intoxication.

Excessive drinking may lead to assaultive behavior, including date rape. Alcohol abuse also may be associated with depression and may increase the risk for suicidal behavior. Alcohol plays a role in many suicides.

College life can be stressful due to academic requirements and new social situations, and students may find themselves without the social supports of family and friends at home. Too many young lives are tragically lost to depression, alcohol, or both.

All colleges and universities have mental health resources. If you or a loved one is in college, know how to access them, for yourself and the people you care about.