How bad is the binge drinking problem? Is it actually getting worse, or are we just talking about it more?

Data from Harvard College Alcohol Study, which measures drinking behavior at 119 schools demonstates the following:

• Between 1993 and 1997, the ‘binge’ drinking rate fell slightly, from 44-43 percent.
• The 1999 data show that it still remains at about 44% (Note: This is the behavior of a minority!).

The number of abstainers has meanwhile increased from 15% in ‘93 to 19% in ‘99.
Unfortunately, rates of ‘frequent binge drinkers’ have also increased, yet less so, from 20% in 1993 to 23% in 1999.
A majority of college students support measures to restrict alcohol problems on campus and to more effectively address this issue, including
tougher enforcement of campus rules,
prohibition of kegs on campus,
holding hosts responsible for alcohol-related problems, and
banning ads from local outlets.
The data at the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale CORE Institute’s broader dataset suggests that two year community colleges have lower rates of consumption.
As far as whether we are talking about it more:

There has generally been more focus on this issue due to tragedies—fairly isolated incidents—which can serve to support the misperception that this behavior is that of the majority, and that is worsening.
We need to draw people’s attention to the fact that it’s the behavior of a minority.
However, this behavior of a minority can negatively impact the experience of the majority of responsible drinkers and abstainers on campus. That’s why a majority supports policy changes on campus.
The discussion has not focused enough on effective solutions to address the problem.
Having conversations on campus, especially when students take the lead, can lead to a campus environment less tolerant of alcohol-related harm. Asking questions about the extent of problems links various campus factions (police, residence life, student government) and helps build coalitions willing to take action on policy changes.