Living it up & Playing It Safe: Tips for Safe Partying
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Responsible drinking is using alcohol in a way that doesn't harm yourself or others.
Remember, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to consume or possess alcohol.
You don't have to drink to have fun; many students at UCSB choose not to drink alcohol
and still party. If you choose to drink, do it responsibly. Here's how...
Responsible drinking is consuming no more than one alcoholic beverage per hour (e.g.,
one 12 oz. can of beer, or one 4-5 oz. glass of wine, or one mixed drink, or one
1.5 oz. shot). It takes approximately one hour for the liver to metabolize the alcohol
in one drink.
- Make alcohol part of the event, not the event itself.
- Set a limit on the amount of alcohol you will drink and keep count of your drinks.
- Alternate drinking alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (soda, water, juice).
- Drink on a full stomach or eat while you are drinking to slow down the rate of absorption of alcohol and reduce the chance of negative side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and hangovers.
- Avoid drinks with unknown contents.
- Avoid letting others handle your drink and do not leave it unattended.
- Refuse to be coerced into "having another one" when you feel you've had enough.
- Don't encourage others to drink more than they want to. Respect the rights of those who choose not to drink.
- Don't play drinking games (they encourage excessive and rapid consumption).
- Don't mix alcohol with prescription pills. The effects can depress the central nervous system and lead to difficulty breathing.
- Never continue drinking if you have thrown up.
- Stop drinking at least one hour before you plan to leave.
- Never drive or ride a bike after drinking, or let someone drive who has been drinking.
Know your body/know the signs/know yourself.
- Do you feel warm and tingly?
- Are you less nervous/less tense?
- Do you feel more outgoing/friendly?
- Do you feel giddy or loud? Then stop while you are still able to take care of yourself, and before it's too late!
When you leave the party...
- Don't leave alone. If you arrived with friends, don't leave them alone at the party.
- Walk in well lighted areas.
- Do not walk outside in public with an open container of alcohol (you could get cited and fined).
- Do not urinate in public (you could get cited and fined).
- Do not drive or ride your bike while intoxicated (there are DUIs and BUIs, both with stiff consequences).
- Be respectful of the community and your neighbors as you walk home.
Never hesitate to call 911 for help if you think someone has alcohol poisoning or has overdosed on drugs. You might save a life!
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