Do You Know the Campus Norms?
Do the Math
If you choose to drink, understanding drink sizes can help prevent over pouring, which allows for a safer experience. 1.5 oz of liquor (one shot), 4 oz of wine, and 12 oz of beer or seltzer equals one standard drink. But keep in mind that some drinks (such as certain hard liquors and some craft beers) contain a higher percentage alcohol by volume (% ABV), so keep that in mind if you choose to drink those beverages (for example, 12 oz of an 8% ABV craft beer is roughly equal to 2 drinks). It is also important to understand that having five or more standard drinks for men and four or more standard drinks for women during one occasion is considered high-risk drinking, also known as binge drinking.
Did you know red Solo cups can help you measure drinks? Each line on a 16 ounce red Solo cup corresponds to certain amounts.
Please visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) for more information about standard drink sizes and information on college drinking.
Keeping Count
Did you know that if you choose to drink, the amount of drinks you can safely consume depends on many factors? Pacing and keeping track of your drinks can ensure you don’t go beyond being buzzed. Counting your drinks can be as simple as keeping a mental note, having a friend hold you accountable, keeping bottle caps or can tabs or downloading a drink counting app on your phone. It is important to first understand how many drinks you can have to best keep count. Below are some helpful resources on keeping count:
- Printable drink tracking cards
- Tips on counting drinks from the American Addiction Centers
- Estimated BAC Charts
- Free pocket-sized BAC Cards are available upon request from the Center for Wellness Promotion
FOOD, WATER, FUN!
If you choose to drink, eating before drinking and staying hydrated can prevent your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) from rising too quickly and prevent you from experiencing alcohol-related harms such as hangovers, blacking out, or vomiting. Why is that? To put it simply, alcohol is absorbed quicker on an empty stomach and water helps counter the dehydrating effects of alcohol. Below are some helpful articles about food, water, and alcohol:
Stop the clock!
Being buzzed is when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is between 0.02-0.08. When buzzed, you can experience euphoria, excitement, elevated mood, and more sociability. This is the “zone” where you are encouraged to stay if you choose to drink. Any BAC beyond 0.08 can put you more at risk to experience alcohol-related harms and it is also when drinking may be considered high-risk drinking, also known as binge drinking. Below are helpful links about BAC and harms from binge drinking.
Safe Ride!
Did you know North Carolina has a zero tolerance law when it comes to drinking and driving? That means those under 21 cannot drive while having any amount of alcohol in their system. Those who are 21 or older cannot drive with a BAC of 0.08 or higher, although you should always find alternative transportation after having any amount of alcohol. A person can begin having impaired judgement with a BAC as low as 0.02. If you choose to be in a situation where you or others are drinking, please take actions to keep you and your friends safe! Please check out information on drinking and driving from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).