Prepaired

If you choose to drink, be prepared by setting a low-risk plan for the night and sticking to it. However remember, alcohol impairs cognitive function so it may keep you from following your plan. Here are some tips for preparation:

 

If you choose to drink:

• Make sure you have a plan before going out to party (i.e. where you’re going to go, how long you plan to stay out, how much you plan to drink, etc.)


• Arrange for a dependable designated driver.


• Be prepared to suffer any consequences that may stem from high-risk drinking.


• Be prepared to leave once your boundaries have been crossed (i.e. drugs being present, feeling uncomfortable by the actions of others, etc.).

Aware

If you choose to drink, be aware of your surroundings, your drink, and your friends. Do not let any boundaries you have set for yourself to get crossed.

 

Here are some tips for awareness:

• Keep an eye on your drink. A few seconds of distraction could lead to someone slipping a drug in it.


• Mix your own drinks at parties.


• Be aware of your own actions. You don’t want to be “that guy” or “that girl”.


• Keep an eye on your friends. You don’t want them to be “that guy” or “that girl”.


• Pay attention to how much you drink. Keep your beer bottle tops, can tabs, or mix drink stirrers in your pocket to keep count.


• Watch out for any signals that may mean you or your friends could be in danger.

Well-Informed

Stay informed about the potential psysiological, psychological, and social (spelling error on the web page) damage of alcohol. Talk with an expert or a peer educator if you have any questions.

 

Here are some tips on staying informed:

• Stay knowledgeable on the health effects of alcohol.


• If you choose to drink, know how to drink at low-risk levels.


• Know your family history of alcoholism.


• Know the law and university policy.


• Know what a BAC or BAL is and how to calculate it by using the CAUSE BAC Cards.


• Come to CAUSE programs and events!

Self-Confident in your Decisions and Actions

Always remain self-confident in your decisions and actions. Even if you choose not to drink for one night, do not let anyone pressure you into drinking.

 

• Stay confident in your decision not to drink – even if it’s for one night.


• Don’t let your friends convince you that they need you to drink so they feel comfortable.


• Don’t feel like you have to drink because “everyone else at the party is drunk…why not?”


• Remember, not everyone on campus drinks. When you think about it, you’re seeing the same people over and over again when you go out.