To Drink or Not to Drink?

Alcohol is the most commonly used drug. Whether you are over or under the legal drinking age, you cannot avoid making decisions about drinking -- at parties, on dates, in your room. Your decisions can increase your risk of flunking courses, getting a sexually transmitted disease, and being involved in fights and accidents. It can also increase your risk of developing a long-term drinking problem.

Careless decisions about drinking -- made at the last minute or when you have already begun drinking -- usually have the worst consequences. But you can make careful decisions--before you drink at all or before you drink at a party or other event -- that will protect you and those you care about.

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If You Choose Not To Drink...

1. Stick by your decision; be polite but firm when you refuse a drink.


2. Establish a nonalcoholic beverage that you will use as a substitute for alcohol (soda, juice, mineral water and carbonated water are good choices).


3. As the sober partyer, look out for friends.


4. Enjoy other activities with a clear head and be conscious of what you are doing.

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If You Choose To Drink...

1. Drink moderately.


2. Don't binge drink.


3. Avoid drinking games, keg stands and beer bongs.


4. Set limits before you drink and establish a nonalcoholic beverage you will use as a substitute once you have reached your limit (soda, juice, mineral water and carbonated spring water are good choices).


5. Always appoint a designated driver.


6. Set up a buddy system and stay together (don't abandon intoxicated friends or let them wander away).

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Successful Party Strategies*

Before a party:

• Invite compatible people.


• Develop a theme for your party or event. Decorate the space and provide entertainment.
  
• Provide nonalcoholic drinks -- enough for attendees to have plenty of options, and display these as prominently as the alcoholic beverages (if everyone attending is over age).


• Set up the room so that the bar is not the center of attention.


• Always measure the amount of alcohol put into punches and mixed drinks.


• Using smaller cups helps people keep their alcohol servings to an appropriate size.


• Prepare lots of good food. Avoid serving too many salty snacks though, as these tend to make people thirsty.

During a party:

• Have a plan about drinking and driving. Even one drink can impair your motor skills and judgment, the two things you need most to drive safely.


• Avoid drinking games. Respect party attendees who choose not to drink alcohol.


• Have a reliable friend or family member, or a hired professional, serve the drinks. This will discourage your guests from mixing their own, and help keep track of the size and number of drinks they consume.


• Don't serve anyone who has already had enough to drink.


• Plan to stop serving alcohol about 90 minutes before the party ends. This will give your party-goers some time to process the alcohol they have consumed before they go off into the night.

Remember: Helping your friends get home safely is part of the party. Asking a friend not to drive home can be hard, but they are likely to appreciate your caring and clear concern for their well-being.

*Adapted from Go Ask Alice, Columbia University's Health Question and Answer Internet Service.
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