hey babbs-
at my school they're pretty strict. one sorority used to give alcohol as an unofficial bid day gift and they got in BIG trouble.
here's the thing--sororities have liability contracts. the chapter and the national organization can (and have been) sued by members or their families due to something that happens due to alcohol abuse. they do not want to get in trouble because a sister decided to act irresponsibly.
a sorority and it's members aren't out to get you. everyone likes to have a little fun, but you must do so responsibly. you represent a larger group of people with your actions.
if you are at an official sorority event and you get sick from alcohol, yes, the sorority will take action. they will probably make you be a "sober sister" at the next event and may not allow you to go to the next function until you fulfill those responsibilities. they don't want to punish you, only to teach you that it is not okay.
and, a school itself can also take action against you. i can't tell you how many friends (greek and non) that i have that got arrested in college due to underage drinking. remember, you are BREAKING the law. if you get caught in the act, or even just by being at a party, you can be arrested and punished by the school, the police, and the sorority (if it happened at a function)
sorry, don't mean to scare you! but college isn't always te free-for-all that many freshman think it is. you are responsible for your actions!
i hope you don't listen to your friend's negative attitude. i'll bet that she either got in major trouble with the sorority or there's another reason for her disaffiliation. (i'm just guessing---i'm not saying it's positively true)
good luck with whatever you do Babbs!
