A TCU senior communication major woke up disoriented in a Cabo hotel lobby during her sophomore year Spring Break, unable to remember her room number after a night of heavy drinking.
Her wallet, phone and hotel key were gone.
“I ended up in the hotel lobby because I couldn’t remember my room number,” said the student who didn’t want her name used for privacy reasons. “I was lucky nothing worse happened.”
Her experience mirrors what can happen during Spring Break. Nearly one in four college students will drink alcohol on five or more days during Spring Break, with males consuming an average of 18 drinks daily and females averaging 10, according to studies by the American College of Health Association.
Even more alarming, 75% of college males and 44% of college females drink to the point of drunkenness during their Spring Break vacation, often leading to dangerous situations.
“Spring Break continues to be a collegiate ‘rite of passage,’ but unfortunately, for some, the conduct can result in negative and irreversible moments, with embarrassing and sometimes tragic results,” TCU Police Chief Robert Rangel said. “If you choose to drink, it will alter your judgment and potentially place you at greater risk.”
Research published in the Journal of American College Health reveals that 38% of college students report at least one alcohol-related memory blackout during Spring Break trips.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found that college students who binge drink during Spring Break are 10 times more likely to develop alcohol use disorders by graduation compared to their moderate-drinking peers.
Behind these statistics are real students making life-altering decisions while impaired. Substance abuse experts at TCU note that Spring Break drinking patterns can quickly transform from recreational behavior to the early signs of dependence, often without students recognizing the shift.
Rangel emphasized that while abstinence is safest, practical harm-reduction strategies can save lives.
A well-planned safety strategy includes creating a code word with friends to signal distress and taking turns staying sober to ensure everyone’s well-being.
“Closely watch your cup or glass and only accept drinks that have been poured in front of you,” Rangel said.
The department also warns against drinking in hot tubs, where alcohol can dangerously lower blood pressure and increase the risk of passing out or drowning.
For students using ride-shares, TCU Police advise checking the license plate before entering and sharing trip details with friends using the app’s safety features.
“If you need help, ask for it. If there’s an emergency, don’t rely on a bystander—make sure help is called right away,” Rangel said.
Safety concerns extend beyond alcohol consumption. Students are encouraged to request hotel rooms above the second floor to reduce break-in risks but to also be mindful of the dangers of high-rise balconies when drinking.
Beyond physical safety, social pressures also play a significant role in students’ decisions during Spring Break. “FOMO—the fear of missing out—can drive students to make choices they might otherwise avoid,” Rangel said. “It’s very important that students feel comfortable with their travel group, destination and lodging.”
TCU’s Counseling and Mental Health Center warns that “binge drinking can lead to dangerous consequences, including alcohol poisoning, blackouts and risky decision-making that impacts students.”
The Department of Substance Use and Recovery Services offers students confidential counseling regarding concerns about drinking before, during and after Spring Break.
While heavy drinking dominates many Spring Break scenes, there are plenty of alternative ways to make lasting memories. Outdoor adventures, cultural excursions and wellness retreats offer fulfilling experiences without the risks of excessive alcohol use.
Whether it’s exploring national parks, trying a new sport or simply relaxing on the beach with friends, students can return from Spring Break with stories they’re proud to tell — and without the consequences of overindulgence.
Campus Resources:
TCU Counseling and Mental Health Center: 817-257-7863
Substance Use & Recovery Services: https://surs.tcu.edu/justsayknow/
TCU Police Department: 817-257-7777
