Healthy Drinking Habits for College Students
Wednesday, January 21st, 2009
On just about any college campus, you’re certain to encounter some drinking. Not all students choose to participate, but if you do, it’s essential that you do it safely. The drinking you do in college can impact your health, and even cost you your life if you’re not careful. Follow this guide to stay safe and healthy if you decide to drink in college.
Avoid binge drinking. Binge drinking is dangerous because things can get really out of control really fast. Students and other drinkers can die of alcohol poisoning, have health complications due to drinking, or even die from accidents that happen while too drunk to be careful. Avoid becoming a statistic-be careful that you’re not drinking too much in one session. Keep track of how many drinks you have in one evening and know your tolerance. If you’re not sure, slow down and cut back, especially if you feel like you’ve already had too much.
Don’t drink alone. Drinking alone is unhealthy and unsafe, whether alone means truly alone in your dorm room, or with strangers away from friends you know and trust. Although in some cases friends may encourage unhealthy drinking habits, overall, friends can help you stay safe by keeping a watchful eye on your consumption, being a designated driver, or keeping you safe from violence and even date rape. You should always try to have at least one trusted friend with you if you decide to drink, and be ready to do your duties as a friend if one of them needs you as well.
Always eat before you drink. Before you go to a party or pop open a six-pack, take a little time to eat a meal or snack to fill your stomach. Drinking on an empty stomach will cause alcohol to hit your system much faster and harder, and can be quite unpleasant. You’re also more likely to throw up from drinking if you do it on an empty stomach.
Stay hydrated. You might think that with all the drinking you’re doing, you’re taking in plenty of liquids, but that idea couldn’t be farther from the truth. Alcohol will dehydrate your system, causing headaches, soreness, and other problems while you’re drinking, and especially the next morning in the form of a hangover. To avoid feeling terrible and drying yourself out from the inside, always try to drink as much water as you can before, during, and after times when you’re drinking. Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade can help replenish your fluids as well.
Drinking is a fact of life for many college students, and if you decide to participate, be sure to follow these tips to stay healthy while enjoying alcohol.
