We Asked Frat Bros About the Study That Says They Can’t Stop Drinking

A frat bro casually sips on his favorite swill. Photo via Flickr user Jason Meredith

Read: Frat Bros Are Basically Immune to Alcohol Interventions, Says Study

Despite fraternities' consistent attempts to convince the world that they're not total shitshows, science recently confirmed that the alcohol habits within these institutions are as bad as they seem. The research, released last week, looked at 25 years worth of data on the drinking habits of over 6,000 Greek life university students in the United States.

The study found that frat brothers not only consume inordinate amounts of alcohol on a regular basis, but also that seeking out help for substance abuse doesn't seem to do anything for them. Those who did end up receiving intervention while in college either returned to the same drinking habits or increased the amount and frequency in which they drink.

Lori Scott-Sheldon, lead researcher on the report, told VICE that the nature of fraternities in particular (the study also evaluated sorority members, but they only made up 18 percent of the participants) likely makes it difficult for frat bros to quit drinking—largely because booze is a constant inside frats—and the impact goes further than a bad hangover.

"Excessive college drinking is associated with a range of academic, physical, psychological alcohol-related consequences such as property damage, personal injury, memory loss, sexual assault, and expulsion," Scott-Sheldon told VICE.

"We expected that a well-designed alcohol intervention delivered to members of Greek organizations would help members reduce their drinking when compared to controls, but that did not happen. Why not? We believe that individual fraternity members may find it challenging to act on their plans to reduce the amount they drink given that they are immersed in a social environment that endorses and facilitates alcohol use," she added.

It raises the question—how do frat brothers feel about the idea of a systemic issue of alcoholism within fraternity culture? To get a better idea, I asked some current and former frat brothers about their experiences with the bottle inside the frat house.

Is there some unwritten requirement we're unaware of that all frat parties must host at 80s-themed party? Photo via Flickr user Eli Duke

Kamal, 26

Why did you decide to join a frat?
It was first year of university and I was in a program . That's all it is.

But do you think a fraternity is a safe environment for people to admit they have issues? What if they're repressing them?
We're in the generation of complaining. I think a lot of guys realize that they might not be depressed, they're just dealing with some bullshit and that'll all be a breeze once they push through it. I know there are real issues with mental health, but I don't think it's in our belief to attract people like that.

You think frats don't attract people with mental health issues?
No, I don't think so. All of the guys who come through our door are either naive or have seen some shit. Either way, they all leave fit for the world, and that's what Greek life is all about.

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