College students who use fake IDs to buy alcohol are more likely to develop drinking problems down the road, according to a recent study.
Researchers at the University of Maryland said that about two-thirds of college students sampled have used a fake ID, and using one may contribute to the possibility of developing drinking disorders in the future.
Stephanie Lucena, an 18-year-old UF finance and information systems freshman, said using a fake ID may put students at a higher risk, “but it does not mean they will have a drinking problem.”
The study hinted there could be a correlation between the use of fake IDs and being involved in Greek life.
But Lucena, who is in coed business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi, said she disagrees.
“We all have standards to uphold as a fraternity, and if anything happens, it’s their choice,” she said.
Kevin Chow, an 18-year-old UF biology freshman, said he knows people who sell and own fake IDs.
Chow said owning a fake ID can be risky.
“There’s always other ways of getting alcohol,” he said. “Possibly, if you know someone who is 21, or parties.”
But Chow said he understands that drinking can lead to serious consequences in the future.
“There’s a reason why the drinking age is 21 and older … It’s not worth developing drinking problems for a cup of alcohol,” he said.
GatorWell Health Promotion Services’ director, Maureen Miller, said she agrees with the fact that students should wait to drink.
“The brain is still developing until your 20s,” she said.
A version of this story ran on page 9 on 11/19/2013 under the headline "Fake IDs contribute to future drinking disorders, study says"
