Being a college student, it increasingly seems like every weekend involves alcohol at one point or another. Parties, hang outs, friendly gatherings; it’s everywhere, and so is the pressure to partake in attempts to “fit in.” For some people, a Friday night is just not complete without having some kind of drink to liven things up. For others, drinking can be somewhat intimidating with all the cautionary stories of good nights gone bad that circulate a college campus day to day. And of course there are those who prefer not to partake at all.
The truth is we are living in a drinking culture, and if all of these different types of people can follow a few simple tips to help both themselves and each other, there’s a much better chance of everyone feeling comfortable enough to have a good time.
For those who don’t want to drink but are still feeling the pressure:
1. "Mom" for the night. If you decide you do not want to drink, but also don’t want to be pestered about it all night by others, volunteer for the mom position for the night. There’s a very good chance no one else will want the job, and they won’t argue with your logic that someone should stay sober in order to look after everyone.
2. Pull a switch. If feeling pressured to drink at a party or gathering, assuage people’s nagging and unwanted opinions on your choice not to drink by using the switch trick. If someone gives you a drink, accept it and then excuse yourself to the bathroom where you can dump it into the sink and replace it with water. It’s easy to make people believe you’re still partaking and keep away their criticism.
3. Just say no. If you don’t care what other people think then just stick to your guns and simply say no as many times as it takes to get it across. Eventually, the pressuring will subside and they will give up.
For those who want to join, but are nervous it could end badly:
4. Eat first. Never drink on an empty stomach. Having food in your body helps a lot more than people think, both with slowing down the effects the alcohol will have on you and with keeping it all down. Many nights have been ruined by an empty stomach being filled with nothing but alcohol.
5. Don’t. Do. Shots. Shots are the best way to go too far too fast. They don’t effect you right away so you’re tempted to do more to get a buzz going, but once they do hit you it will be too late to turn back.
6. Drink water. Always alternate. Every other drink you have should be some water. It keeps things from getting out of control and also significantly helps with the morning after. The more water you have throughout the night the less likely you’ll be hung over.
7. Know your limits. Don’t try to “keep up” with anyone else. Go at your own pace that you are comfortable with, otherwise things will go downhill quickly.
To those who are comfortable drinking regularly:
8. No means no. If someone says they’re not drinking, that should be the end of it. Don’t try to pressure them into it thinking they’ll have more fun if they drink. They know how to have fun, and they know what they’re comfortable with. If they say no, it means no.
9. Keep an eye out. If you drink regularly and know how to handle it while still having a good time, help out those who aren’t as experienced. If you see someone unknowingly taking a turn for the worst, give them a hand and help point them in a better direction.
For everyone:
10. Alcohol does not equal fun. Recognize that you do not need alcohol to have a good time with friends. Stay in and have a movie night every once in a while, go out to dinner, go bowling; the options are endless. Enjoy each other’s sober company, and you might learn a few new things about one another. There’s a good chance you’ll grow closer than you ever have while you’ve been drunk.
