Because this was a relatively controlled environment, we can’t rule out the possibility that other universities may provide different results.  For instance a commuter school where social life isn’t as important may reveal different findings. 

The happiness associated with binge drinking obviously doesn’t outweigh the physical and developmental risks of frequent heavy drinking, but the impact of social acceptance on behavior and happiness is nevertheless worth noting.  

Sources:

Chao, T. (2012, August 20). Abc news . Retrieved from http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/08/20/binge-drinking-college-students-report-being-happier/

Huget, J. (2012, August 20). Binge-drinking students happier than others, study finds. . Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-checkup/post/binge-drinking-students-happier-than-others-study-finds/2012/08/16/bc3a68b0-e7d4-11e1-9739-eef99c5fb285_blog.html