1 Tequila, 2 Tecila, 3 Tekelya, FLOOR! | Alcohol Safety Tips

This post is not going to be like my other college tips posts. I try to talk about upbeat things like moving in, studying tips, and what not. However, this is a very serious and a very important topic that needs to be talked about with college students more often. And as a college student myself I see bad things happen because of alcohol abuse or just not knowing how to handle yourself while drinking. So I am here with some tips about alcohol safety!
Whether you are celebrating a game victory, finals being over, or just simply celebrating the weekend, students LOVE to party. Partying in college is normal and can be lots of fun! There is absolutely nothing wrong with drinking alcohol every now and then. However, when you start waking up in bed with strangers and you don't know who they are or how they got there, that is NOT FUN. Neither is having a horrible hangover while taking an important test, unwanted pregnancy, contracting STD's and even worse, ending up dead due to alcohol poisoning or because of a traffic incident. NEVER DRIVE DRUNK and please DO NOT get in the car with someone who is planning on driving drunk. Protect yourself and your friends while drinking, or you may end up regretting your actions.

I know these things all seem horrible, and that's because they are. But drinking doesn't have to lead to these things. Implementing these tips into your party activities can help you avoid these things from happening. SO PAY ATTENTION!

1. Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of water before you start drinking alcohol. Alcohol causes you to become dehydrated and the more you drink, the more thirsty you become. With water in your system you will most likely drink slower and this way you can enjoy the alcohol and avoid blacking out.
2. Eat first - To put it simply without going into medical terms and complicated terminology.. Drinking on an empty stomach can cause you to pass out and eating first helps you to absorb alcohol less quickly. Which means you won't get drunk as fast, and I promise thats a good thing.
3. Alternate drinks - By alternating alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks it can help slow down the rate of your alcohol consumption. Drinking water in-between is what I personally suggest. Slow down and enjoy more.                                    
4. Travel in pairs - never go to a party alone.. especially women! Friends can help each other stay safe and having someone with you is the best way to keep people from taking advantage of you.
5. Plan your transportation - Do not drive to the party if you plan on drinking. Either have a DD (designated driver) or plan to take a taxi/uber/lyft to and from the party. If you're drinking at a friends house then sleeping over would be the best option.
6. Carry Condoms - I know this may seem silly and you might think "I'm not the type to have a one-night stand" or any other thoughts like that. However, alcohol has a way of loosening inhibitions and one thing leads to another.. You get the picture. Unplanned pregnancy and a possible STD is not worth the risk. Practice safe sex people.. and birth control is not going to protect you from STD's. 
   
   
7. Don't EVER let a stranger pour your drink or hand you one - There are bad people and creeps out there with date rape drugs on hand just waiting to put them in your drink. Either pour your drink yourself or if at a bar make sure you see the bartender pour it for you! Males, you are not immune to this so you should be careful as well! This also goes along with never leaving your drink alone and if you do get another drink!
8. Drinking at home - last but not least, this is my favorite. I would rather drink at home with my roommates or friends than going out. Being at home is a safer environment for you, and you can always fall asleep right in your bed!

Now that you have this wonderful new knowledge (or just refreshed knowledge) go out and party, but keep it safe!

Until next time..