According to two new studies, links have been found between college students and alcoholism, in addition to links between alcohol use and violence.

The Harvard School of Public Health's College Alcohol Study found that more than one in three college students can be diagnosed with alcohol disorders.

The study said that more than two in every five students report at least one symptom that puts them at an increased risk of developing a true alcohol disorder. Researchers based their findings on survey responses from more than 14,000 students at 119 four-year colleges. Students who attend colleges with heavy drinking environments are more likely to be diagnosed with abuse or dependence, according to the results.

"When students first come to campus, the easiest way to meet people may involve drinking," said Linda Caldwell, professor of recreation and park management. "They may feel like it's their only form of social leisure, and they fall into a pattern of drinking by default."

According to another study, done by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), scientists have recognized a link between alcohol consumption and violent or aggressive behavior.

The NIAAA found that alcohol weakens brain mechanisms that normally restrain impulsive behaviors including inappropriate aggression, such as bar fights.

Jon Litwa (junior-landscape architecture) said fighting while intoxicated is not uncommon in the Penn State party atmosphere.

"Frat guys and 'beer muscles' go together like mullets and Bellefonte," he said.

Linda LaSalle, a community health educator for University Health Services, said alcohol does not increase violent behavior but lowered inhibitions can.

"It's a central nervous system depressant, and it's not physiologically rational to become violent [when under the influence]," LaSalle said.

LaSalle said alcohol might promote aggression because people expect it to.

"When they're not drinking, people who already have violent tendencies know that violent behavior is unacceptable," she said. "But when their inhibitions are down, they feel more comfortable at being able to express themselves violently."

Alcohol affects people depending on tolerance levels, said Amy Klopfenstein, assistant coordinator of life skills and drug prevention for Penn State athletics.

"When the brain is affected, you're not thinking or acting in a positive way," she said. "You may think you're stronger than you really are and try to take somebody on."

Altercations can start over anything, from women to sports teams, Jon Hartshorne (junior-hotel, restaurant and institutional management) said.

"When drinking, one can't help but fight when there are so many people from Pittsburgh," he said.

However, Café 210 West, 210 W. College Ave., has had few violent incidents, said owner Hal McCullough.

"We try to take care of the situation before it becomes violent," he said. "We approach the individual, talk to them, see if they need transportation, or if any friends are there to get them home safe."

Any member of the Café 210 West staff has authority to stop serving a patron alcohol if deemed necessary, and bouncers are trained to avoid getting physical in any way, he said.

Klopfenstein, LaSalle and McCullough are members of The Campus and Community Partnership United Against Dangerous Drinking. The organization's goal is to reduce the high-risk behaviors that can accompany alcohol consumption.