Student Health & Development
Alcohol |
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Alcohol
Alcohol can be a problem for some students. Students become “of age” while away at school and are tempted to try new things or use alcohol to deal with stress.
Experiencing new freedoms comes with responsibilities.
Before you decide to drink alcohol you need to consider a few facts:
Social drinking is not about going out and getting Drunk.
If you drink, make a plan that works for you.
- Decide how you are going to drink before going out. Set a limit.
- It’s not about all or nothing. You can have a beer and switch to non-alcohol beverages.
- Plan who you will go out with and support each other. Plan a buddy system and watch out for each other.
- Talk to your friends about your choice and don’t change the plan.
- Don’t drive home or go home with new acquaintances.
Each drink contains the same amount of alcohol.
- a 12 ounce ( 350 ml) beer bottle ( a pint is 473 ml =1.3 drinks) -5%alc./vol
- a 5 ounce glass of wine –12% alc./vol
- a 1.5 ounce shot of liquor (straight or in a mixed drink) –40%alc./vol
Your body size will affect the rate at which your body can process alcohol. Women metabolize alcohol slower than men.
Binge drinking is having 4 or 5 drinks on a single occasion. (depending on the person).
You may react differently to alcohol than your friends and to each time you drink.
As a general rule, drinking will affect you more quickly if you:
-weigh less
-have eaten little or no food
-are tired
-have been ill
-are taking prescription medicine or any other drug.
Plan to lower the risks of drinking using these guidelines:
-Drink Slowly. Don’t gulp or chug your drink down.
-Allow time between drinks. A least one hour.
-Eat food before you drink and while you drink.
-Drink water, pop or juice between alcoholic drinks.
-Stop when you’ve reached your limit.
-Watch your drinks and don’t accept drinks from others.
-Don’t mix driving and drinking.
-Use your plan on how you will get home. Stay with you friends at all times.
Remember: Only time removes alcohol from the your system. You can’t sober up with coffee, fresh air or a shower.
Most alcohol-related illnesses, social problems, accidents and deaths are caused by “problem drinking”. You may need help if:
-You want to drink often or all the time.
-Drinking is more important than being with friends.
-Your personality is altered when you consume alcohol.
-You find yourself sneaking drinks or hiding your drinking.
-Your performance at school has suffered because of drinking.
-You’re done things while drinking that you’re sorry about later.
-Your family or friends have expressed concern about your drinking.
Unsure if you have a problem? Take a test http://www.intheknowzone.com/alcohol/problem.htm
-There is a possibility you are pregnant.
-You plan to drive any kind of vehicle.
-You are using other drugs or medicines
-You have problems when you drink.
For more information go to http://www.intheknowzone.com/alcohol/index.htm
When someone you know is struggling with an alcohol problem, it can be hard to know what to do. It’s even harder when that someone is you.
For more information at WLU call: 884-1970
-Counselling Services –2338
-Health Services- 3146
-Student Health and Development- 2860
-Security 3333
Community Help
-St Mary’s Counselling Service- 745-2585
http://www.smgh.ca/~Program/pgm_counselling.asp
-D.A.R.T. Drug and Alcohol Treatment Info-line 1-800-565-8603
-Centre for Addiction and Mental Health 1-800-463-6273
-Alcoholics Anonymous- 742-6183
-St Mary’s Hospital – 744-3311
-St. Mary’s Sexual Assault Treatment Centre – 749-6994
-Grand River Hospital – 742-3611