Drinking in a group leads to the experience of greater euphoria than drinking the same quantity alone (Pliner & Cappell, 1974), and drinking in a social setting facilitates more consumption than solitary drinking (Storm & Cutler, 1981). A survey of 409 college students found that a drinking event with many people intoxicated and having school friends present were factors predictive of binge drinking with five or more drinks (Clapp & Shillington, 2001). Students often seek out environments that facilitate binge drinking (Clapp et al., 2003; Lange & Voas, 2000b). Indeed, peer relationships can be a risk factor for increased alcohol consumption, as collegiate living arrangements—especially fraternities and sororities—are a significant correlate of binge drinking. Other factors include living with a roommate, stressing the importance of parties, and having five or more close student friends (Wechsler, Dowdall, Davenport, & Castillo, 1995).
