Hi RoadKill,
My oldest son is 19 and at college for his first year. My exah is his stepdad and so I worry about him being an alcoholic. He is definitley drinking and going to parties with his friends. I know that when I went to college and university drinking, partying and going to bars was part of the life. It is pretty "normal" during those years from what I can tell from talking to other parents. I talk to my son about having balance in his life and when he chooses to drink and carry on to be responsible and safe. I have found in the past with him that the bigger deal I make of an issue the bigger the issue becomes.
Just my two cents, hope it helps.
Kell