Here's a sobering statistic. An estimated 23 percent of American college students meet the medical criteria for substance abuse or dependence, according to a new National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse report. Worse, that figure is about triple the proportion in the general population.

Although the proportion of college students who drink — 68 percent — and binge drink — 40 percent — is virtually unchanged since 1993, there have been substantial increases in the number of students who binge drink frequently. Frequent binge drinking is defined as drinking five drinks at a time, three or more times in a two-week period or those who drink 10 or more times a month and get drunk three or more times in a month.

If the prospect of drinking to become intoxicated as fast as one can isn't problematic on its own, the report found a disturbingly high numbers of students who abuse prescription drugs such as Ritalin, Adderall and the powerful painkiller OxyContin. Frequent marijuana use also is on the upswing.

College administrators are keenly aware of these issues, and many campuses have education programs to encourage students to make smarter decisions about drugs and alcohol. But their efforts counter a prevalent cultural perception among youths that excessive drinking is OK. That sensibility needs to change.

Binge drinking and drug abuse are often intertwined with other perilous behaviors such as drunken driving, criminal activity and risky sexual behavior. Curbing drug and alcohol abuse would go a long way to reduce other troublesome issues on college campuses, not to mention curb legal liability.

The greater problem is the waste of human potential. Consider the experience of Nebraska native Sam Spady, a Colorado State University student who was a high school honor student, class president, homecoming queen and cheerleading captain. Spady reportedly drank 30 to 40 beers and shots at a number of parties over an 11-hour period. Friends left her alone to sleep it off in an empty room of a fraternity house. She was later found dead by a fraternity member who was giving his mother a tour of the house. Her parents have since formed a foundation that provides alcohol education curriculum to colleges and universities.

Other colleges, such as the University of Denver, have taken a more hands-on approach to the problem. Students who violate the university's alcohol policy are required to fess up to their parents, in addition to a notification mailed to the parents by the school. Repeat offenders are required to take a three-hour class and pen a 500-word essay. The class costs $50.

Seemingly, involving parents from the first infraction should add some heft to any sanctions leveled by the university. Anything that discourages substance abuse and encourages lifestyle habits that allow students to make the most of their talents is a step in the right direction.