Does College Binge Drinking = Happiness?

I started a thread on the College Confidential discussion forum about the purpose of college. Is that purpose education or employment credentials? That contention has inspired some spirited opinions. However, there may be a stealth third option for the purpose of college: fun, and by extension, happiness. Have you ever seen the movie Animal House? This pretty much covers the topic of fun (and happiness) at college. Of course, the hub of the wheel at hypothetical "Faber College" (where Animal House's Delta fraternity is located) is alcohol. Remember this advice from Bluto to Flounder after a particularly harrowing road trip to "Emily Dickinson College"? "My advice to you is to start drinking heavily." Or how about Dean Wormer's admonition to the Delta crew upon arriving for a surprise visit: "Well, well, well. Looks like somebody forgot there's a rule against alcoholic beverages in fraternities on probation!"

So, what are the consequences of drinking (not only just "drinking," but binge drinking) in college, other than hangovers and stinky clothes? Well, a new study says that happiness may be one positive consequence. Interesting, eh? Parents reading this may cringe when they think about their son or daughter being more on the sunny side of the street if they (the son or daughter) are located, mouth agape, beneath the spigot of a beer keg. Welcome to reality, this new study implies.