Let’s face it: alcohol is an almost unavoidable part of the college experience. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, research has shown that over 80% of college students drink alcohol, and over half report binge drinking within the past two weeks. Even if you’re under 21, drinking is something that you will most likely be exposed to, making it all the more important to understand how to navigate alcohol safely.
Even during my own experience attending a tiny religious college, I’ve witnessed a variety of instances in which alcohol posed an active threat to people’s safety. There’s nothing scarier than seeing your friend blacked out on the floor at a party, or when someone can’t stop vomiting after a night at the bar. Dangerous alcohol-related situations are more common than you might think: every year, over 500,000 students are unintentionally injured under the influence of alcohol, and an estimated 1,825 college students die annually due to alcohol-related injuries. While it’s easy to think to yourself "That will never happen to me!", alcohol is still a substance you should be prepared to encounter.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to help prevent these dangerous situations from happening in the first place, as well as ways you can prepare for them in case they do occur. When it comes to alcohol safety, knowledge is power: the most important thing you can do is to educate yourself and others. Based on research and my own experience, I’ve compiled a list of ten important tips that will help keep you safe during your night on the town.
1. DON’T go out alone
If you’re going somewhere like a party or a bar, it’s important to bring a friend with you, especially if you know that there will be a lot of alcohol consumption going on. When drinking, always make sure you’re surrounded by people you feel comfortable around. If you start to feel unsafe in an environment, trust your instincts: it’s always better to leave than to put yourself at risk of harm.
2. DON’T drink and drive
When you look at the stats, it’s hard to ignore the danger of drunk driving: around 28 Americans die every day in drunk-driving accidents. Even when you’re just feeling tipsy, alcohol still impairs your ability to drive safely and increases your chances of getting in an accident. If you’ve been drinking, wait at least one hour per drink before driving, giving your body time to sober up.
3. Make a plan ahead of time
Before you head to the party, talk to the rest of your group and make sure everyone’s on the same page. Will you have a designated driver, or will you be getting an Uber? What time do you want to leave the location? How much does everyone plan on drinking? Having these conversations beforehand, while sober, is an easy way to prepare yourselves for whatever problems might come up once you’re intoxicated.
4. Keep your phone alive
Either charge your phone ahead of time or bring a portable charger with you. This might sound like a tiny detail, but when you’re in a place that’s unfamiliar, your phone is what keeps you connected to the people you know. Making sure you have plenty of battery life will help you stay safe if you get separated from your group or in case you need to call someone for help.
5. Bring snacks and water
Before the party, stop by a drugstore or gas station to pick up some water bottles and healthy snacks. Foods that are high in water and complex carbohydrates, like oatmeal or fruit, will help prevent the adverse effects of alcohol consumption. Additionally, drinking plenty of water throughout the night will help you sober up, and it will also reduce the potential impact of a hangover the next morning.
6. Keep an eye on your drink
If possible, try to make your drink yourself or at least watch whoever’s making it; that way, you’ll know exactly what you’re drinking, including how much alcohol you’re consuming. Additionally, avoid abandoning your drink, since this opens up the opportunity for someone to drug you. If you’re going to the bathroom, either finish your drink first or leave it with someone you trust.
7. Stick to three or fewer drinks
For many people, the switch from tipsy to drunk occurs after having between two and four drinks. Your level of intoxication will depend on a variety of factors, such as drink size and your weight, but try to keep an eye on your approximate blood alcohol level. Consider making a pact with yourself beforehand: decide ahead of time how many drinks you’ll have and (if possible) what those drinks are going to be.
8. Check in with yourself
When drinking, knowing your boundaries is key. Even if you’re an inexperienced drinker who’s curious to know your own limits, it’s important to never let anyone push you beyond your comfort level, including yourself. After each drink, ask yourself: how am I feeling? Keeping an eye on yourself, taking it slow, and drinking plenty of water will all help you stay safe and sober.
9. Avoid using multiple substances
“Crossing”, or being drunk and high at the same time, can have negative side effects for many people. According to UC Santa Cruz, mixing alcohol consumption with recreational drugs – or even over-the-counter prescriptions – can result in serious health consequences. Make sure you’re aware of how alcohol interacts with any drugs or medications in your system.
10. Know when to get help
One of the scariest questions you’ll have while drinking is: “How do I know if I need to take someone to the hospital?” Times when you should call for help include if someone is passed out; if they are vomiting uncontrollably; if they have difficulty breathing; or if they have blue lips and cold, clammy skin. In these circumstances, getting this person to a hospital is your best option.
What do you think is the most important piece of drinking advice for a college student to know? Feel free to share in the comments!
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