By Life Quotes, Inc. Staff

Alcohol availability at more hours of the day and a permissive regulatory climate on college campuses can increase problem drinking, according to two recent studies by  the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The first study, which examined the effects of restricted sales of alcohol on-and-off  certain premises where alcoholic beverages are consumed where purchased such as sporting events, found that people drank less and were less likely to die in alcohol-related crashes if restrictions on the hours and days were maintained. Increases in consumption levels and accidents were seen when the restrictions were removed, according to the CDC.

Colleges and universities might benefit from cracking down on events that encourage high alcohol usage, whether they are on or off campus, the CDC also found. High-visibility restrictions on nuisance parties, DUI checkpoints, social host ordinances, and a host of assorted other techniques were found to be useful in mitigating  problem drinking on college campuses in California.

Excess alcohol consumption can have a myriad of harmful health effects, experts say, and can lead to some chronic conditions which may drive life insurance rates up. The CDC also offers tips about college health and safety for students and families.

This article was originally published by Life Quotes, Inc.