Reply #12: It worked in the 1920's, didn't it? Oh, wait...

[benEzra]

it didn't.

Personally, I think the polarization of college-age drinking in this country into the two extremes (teetotaler or binge drinker) is part of the cause of the problems we face now with college binge drinking.

France and Italy have much less Puritanical views of younger people drinking, and as a result the "drunk out of your mind is cool" attitude seems to be less prevalent there than here.

FWIW, I don't personally drink, and my wife's dad was an alcoholic who didn't quit until my wife's 16th birthday, so I am not glossing over the problems alcohol abuse can cause. But I think teaching moderation and responsibility is probably easier in a less polarized and Puritanical environment.