[Students] Have a Safe Spring Break

[Marty Jacobs]

 Have a Safe Spring Break

Fun, sun and getting away from books and classes is a traditional part
of Spring Break.  Unfortunately, the alcohol can flow faster than the
sunscreen.  Binge drinking is common during Spring Break.  The National
Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines binge drinking as:
Five or more drinks in a two hour period for males and four or more
drinks in a two hour period for females.  Binge drinking will lead to a
BAC of .08 or higher.

Intoxication and common sense don't coexist.  It is painfully easy to
make bad decisions while under the influence, like getting behind the
wheel of a car.  Always have a designated driver.  Getting drunk causes
you to have a broken "picker" (picking the wrong person).  Hooking up
with a stranger is never a good idea.  Pregnancy, STDs, HIV, getting
ripped off, assaulted or even killed are consequences you don't want.  

 Alcohol poisoning is the most serious consequence of binge drinking. It
is a severe and potentially fatal reaction to an alcohol overdose in
which the central nervous system starts to shut down, including
involuntary functions that regulate breathing and heart rate.  The signs
of alcohol poisoning include:  confusion or stupor, inability to wake
the person, vomiting, seizures, slowed breathing, irregular breathing,
and lowered body temperature.  If you find someone unconscious don't
ignore or leave them alone thinking they will sleep it off.  Never give
an unconscious person fluids. 

Drinking plus the sun gives you more than just a sunburn.  Sun increases
the effect of alcohol.  If you party on the beach, pace yourself.  Drink
lots of water to stay hydrated.  If you start feeling light headed, head
for the shade and rest.  Drinking in a hot tub looks cool and
sophisticated, but it isn't a smart idea.  The heat of the water dilates
blood vessels and can lead to dangerously low blood pressure.  If you
pass out, you drown.  Just like the sun, hot tub drinking maximizes the
effect of alcohol.  It's simply a bad idea.

Watch Your Drink!  Leaving a drink unattended at a bar or party is an
invitation to a predator.  It takes just a second or two for someone to
slip something into your drink.  If you experience extreme wooziness,
confusion, slurred speech or difficulty standing up get a friend, not
just someone nearby.  Have them take you home or get help.  It's always
a good idea to use the buddy system.  Go with a friend and go home with
the same friend.

 Have fun!  Be Safe!  Pay Attention!  

 

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