Alcohol & Alcohol Safety

% of Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

** Some states use 0.08 as the lowest indicator of driving while intoxicated. Some use 0.10.

Call 911 for one or more of the following signs of alcohol poisoning or combining alcohol and other drugs, such as sedatives or tranquilizers. Act quickly. Alcohol poisoning can be fatal.

Unconsciousness. This means the person is hard to rouse and can’t be made aware of his or her surroundings. This can be brief, such as with fainting or blacking out. It can put a person into a coma.

No breathing or slow and shallow breathing. This means 10 or fewer breaths per minute or time lapses of more than 8 seconds between breaths.

Slow pulse rate (40 or fewer beats per minute)

Skin that is cold, clammy, and/or pale or blue in color

Choose substance-free housing, if available and desired. With this type of housing, you give up being able to drink in your room.

Be aware and think about the risks and consequences of drinking, including getting arrested, getting sick, contracting an STD, etc. One incident of alcohol use could cause you to do something you will regret for the rest of your life. Alcohol plays a part in most sexual assaults.

Don’t mix drinking with driving, drugs, or operating machines. Doing so can be fatal. Designate a sober driver.

Don’t give in to peer pressure or drink because “everyone else does it.” Not everyone drinks. Hang out with people who are not drinking or drink non alcoholic beverages that look like “drinks.” Examples are orange juice, tonic water with lime, and non alcoholic beer in a glass.

Drink alcohol only if you want to, and if you do:

• Know your limit and stick to it or don’t drink any alcohol.

• Drink slowly. You are apt to drink less. Nurse one drink during a party. Take fake sips, if necessary. In reality, anything over two drinks does not increase the feeling of pleasure. Drinking too much leads to being unable to enjoy yourself.

• Eat when you drink. Food helps to slow alcohol absorption.

• Alternate an alcoholic beverage with a non alcoholic one. Use non alcohol or reduced alcohol beverages. Don’t drink distilled beverages straight. Dilute them. Use more and more mixer and less and less alcohol. After two drinks, your taste buds are dulled and you won’t be able to notice much difference.

• Don’t participate in drinking contests and games.